Following a match in Turkey’s Super Lig, a club president struck atop UEFA referee in the face in horrifying circumstances that caused the nation’s football authorities to declare an emergency shutdown.
President of MKE Ankaragucu Faruk Koca threw Halil Umut Meler to the ground as he ran onto the field in response to his club giving up an equalizer in the 97th minute of a 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor.
As players and club officials hurried to the scene, Meler also looked as though he had been kicked in the head as he lay on the ground.
Turkish media reports that Meler and Koca were transferred to the hospital, where Koca was placed under supervision and is anticipated to remain in custody after receiving treatment. Other people involved in the altercation have also been arrested.
In response, Turkish football administrators have halted all league games until further notice. “All league matches have been postponed indefinitely,” Mehmet Buyukeksi, the chairman of the Turkish FA [TFF], stated at a press conference.
“A football game is not a combat zone. The end does not include death. Not every team has the opportunity to win simultaneously. Everyone has to be aware of this. Everyone is welcome to assume accountability. Ankaragucu and its supervisors will face the harshest penalties.
President of Turkey Recep Erdogan responded to the event, saying, “I wish referee Halil Umut Meler a speedy recovery and I condemn the attack on him after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening.”
Sports promote harmony and fraternity. Violence and sport are irreconcilable. We shall never permit acts of violence in Turkish sports.”
“We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Çaykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium,” home club MKE Ankaragucu said, expressing their sadness over the occurrences.
Supporting referee Meler, Caykur Rizespor delivered the following message: “We vehemently denounce the unfavorable events that transpired following the Ankaragucu match we played today. We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the whole referee community, with specific attention to match referee Halil Umut Meler.”
Meler, a 37-year-old Turkish referee, works for FIFA officiating international matches. His most recent European assignment was Celtic’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Lazio in Rome a week ago, during which he showed seven yellow cards. He is also on Uefa’s elite referee list.
He also retracted his call to send someone to view the VAR monitor after awarding Celtic a late penalty.
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