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Brutal attack on referee shocks Türkiye – game operations are suspended for the time being
Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground and protects his face while he is kicked
© AFP
Horror in Turkish football: After a first division game, the president of MKE Ankaragücü knocked down the referee with a punch, and others involved kicked the referee who was lying on the ground. The association stopped playing for the time being.
On Monday evening there were wild scenes in the first Turkish football league after the game between Ankaragücü and Rizespor. The match’s referee, Halil Umut Meler, was attacked by several people, including Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca. Pictures show Koca hitting the referee in the face with his fist. Meler sank to the ground while other people kicked him. Rizespor equalized 1-1 in the seventh minute of added time. According to the state news agency Anadolu, Koca and two other suspects have now been arrested.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Football Association announced the “toughest” penalties and stopped play in all leagues until further notice. “In coordination with our state, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack. The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all those responsible for attacking Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the harshest possible way.” , the association said.
Outcry in Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks out
Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdogan also spoke out after the scandal. “Sport means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to occur in Turkish sport,” Erdogan wrote on the news platform X and wished the referee a speedy recovery.
The constant criticism of referees also led to this outbreak of violence, the association said: “Anyone who targeted referees and promoted crimes against referees is complicit in this heinous crime. The irresponsible statements made by club presidents, managers, coaches and television commentators Referees today paved the way for this despicable attack.”