.
Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter for exclusive content delivered directly to your email at no cost.
Subscribe to Miguel Delaney’s weekly newsletter at no cost.
The Turkish football league has suspended all matches after a club president punched a referee in the face after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser.
There was chaos at the match between Caykur Rizespor and MKE Ankaragucu in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday night at Eryaman Stadium.
th minute
Following the end of the game, representatives from both teams came onto the field when Caykur Rizespor scored a tying goal in the 97th minute.th
The game ended in a tie with a score of 1-1 after one minute.
Recordings of the event depict Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, approaching referee Halil Umut Meler and delivering a forceful punch to his face, causing him to fall to the ground.
Meler was struck multiple times by others while he was lying on the ground, shielding his face with his hands. Both teams’ players stepped in to protect the referee.
Mehmet Buyukeksi, chairman of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), announced at a press conference that all matches in various leagues have been indefinitely postponed.
He stated that this assault was a disgraceful night for Turkish soccer.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also expressed his condemnation of the incident and wished for a quick recovery for the referee.
Mr. Erdoğan expressed his condemnation of the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler that occurred after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match tonight. He also extended his well wishes for a quick recovery for Mr. Meler.
“Sports represents harmony and unity. The concept of sports does not align with violence. We will never tolerate violence within Turkish sports.”
Both Meler and Koca were later transported to a hospital following the event.
Meler sustained facial injuries, including a small fracture, and Koca also needed unspecified medical attention.
Dr. Mehmet Yorubulut, the chief physician at the hospital where Meler is receiving treatment, stated that there is currently no danger to his life. However, he does have bleeding around his left eye and a minor fracture.
“We will observe our referee until morning due to a head injury. We will release him from the hospital after conducting the required examinations in the morning.”
The Turkish minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, strongly denounced the attack and confirmed that Koca is currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital. When questioned about the response from the police, he stated that detention procedures will be carried out once the victim’s treatment is complete. Additionally, others involved in the attack have been apprehended.
Referee Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground at the end the Turkish Super Lig soccer match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor
Meler, aged 37, is a member of Uefa’s exclusive group of referees and has overseen notable tournaments such as the Champions League. He was the referee for West Ham’s first leg semi-final match against AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League last season.
The event caused a stir within the football community of Turkey, as both teams condemned the attack on the referee.
MKE Ankaragucu, the home club, expressed regret for the actions of its president. The club stated, “We extend our apologies to the Turkish football fans and the entire sports world for the unfortunate event that took place after the Caykur Rizespor game at Eryaman Stadium.”
Caykur Rizespor showed their backing for Meler and stated their strong disapproval of the attack.
“We denounce the unfortunate incidents that took place following our match against Ankaragucu today.”
“We hope for a speedy recovery for the match referee, Halil Umut Meler.”
The Turkish Football Federation stated that Ankaragucu and its managers will face severe punishment.
The TFF chair, Buyukeksi, stated that football matches should not be viewed as a war, as there are no casualties. It is not possible for all teams to win the championship simultaneously, and it is important for everyone to acknowledge this. Buyukeksi extends an invitation for individuals to take accountability.
He stated that the appropriate decision-making committees will consider any penalties starting on Tuesday.
The Turkey Referees and Observers Association has requested all referees to protest by not participating in any matches.
The aggressive assault on Meler was not just directed towards referee Halil Umut Meler, but also towards the entire community of referees,” stated the message.
Source: independent.co.uk
