TURKEY – Professional football in Turkey has plunged into chaos following a distressing incident where a top referee, Halil Umut Meler, was physically assaulted by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca at the conclusion of a high-stakes match in the country’s premier league.
The shocking attack saw Meler punched to the ground and subsequently kicked in the head while lying defenseless. The scene erupted into chaos as players and officials became entangled either in the melee or trying to stop the assault.
This unfortunate incident unfolded after Meler issued red cards to one player from each team during the Super Lig clash and allowed a late equalizer for Rizespor in injury time, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In response to this appalling attack, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) swiftly condemned the assault, announcing an indefinite suspension of all matches. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored that sports should embody “peace and brotherhood.”
Blaming a culture of disrespect towards referees nurtured over the years, the TFF released a statement highlighting the toxic environment created by players, club officials, managers, coaches, and TV commentators targeting referees.
The TFF ensured that legal action has been initiated against the perpetrators and instigators of the assault, vowing severe punishment for the responsible club, its president, managers, and all involved in the attack.
Both Meler and Koca were hospitalized following the incident, with Koca expected to be detained after medical treatment and kept under guard.
In a bid to address the situation, MKE Ankaragucu issued an apology via social media, expressing regret for the incident and apologizing to the football community.
Meler, an esteemed 37-year-old referee on UEFA’s elite list, had previously officiated significant matches, including last season’s Conference League semi-final first leg between West Ham and AZ Alkmaar.
President Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of sports as a symbol of peace and unity, and vowed to prevent any form of violence within Turkish sports.
