In a shocking turn of events, Turkish football is in disarray as league officials decided to suspend all matches following an appalling incident where a referee was physically assaulted by a club president. The chaos unfolded after a top-flight game between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor, where referee Halil Umut Meler was punched to the ground by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
The incident occurred moments after Ankaragucu conceded a 97th-minute equalizer, leading to a 1-1 draw. The scenes turned chaotic as Koca ran onto the pitch, striking Meler and triggering a series of violent actions involving players and club officials.
In response to this unprecedented act of aggression, Turkish Football Federation (TFF) chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi announced the indefinite postponement of all league matches. During a news conference, Buyukeksi expressed deep concern, calling the attack a “night of shame for Turkish football.”
Club president punches Turkish Super Lig referee
Referee Meler, a prominent figure in Turkish football, suffered multiple blows and injuries, including a minor fracture, as he lay on the field. The shocking incident led to the hospitalization of both Meler and Koca, with detention procedures expected for the club president after treatment.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, strongly condemned the attack and reported the arrest of several individuals involved in the assault. Meler, who officiates international games for FIFA and is part of UEFA’s elite referee list, is currently under medical observation, with no immediate life-threatening concerns.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of sports embodying peace and brotherhood. He expressed wishes for Meler’s speedy recovery, stating, “Sport is incompatible with violence, and we will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
Both Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor released statements expressing regret and condemnation for the incident. The TFF, in a bid to address the severity of the situation, pledged severe punishment for Ankaragucu and its management. Discussions on penalties are set to begin, reflecting the football authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport.
In a united front against violence, Galatasaray called for an emergency meeting to address the growing concerns within Turkish football. The Association of Active Football Referees and Observers of Turkey urged all referees to abstain from officiating matches, emphasizing that the attack on Meler was an assault on the entire referee community.
As Turkish football grapples with this shocking episode, the hope is that swift and decisive actions will pave the way for a safer and more respectful environment for the beautiful game in the country.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Rishabh Pant to be KL Rahul's "perfect opening replacement" for LSG, after Sanjiv Goenka's blunder?
Top Stories
