12 December 2023 , 00:20
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A referee was left requiring medical attention after being punched in the face by a Turkish club's president on Monday night.
The shocking incident unfolded after the Turkish Super Lig game between Ankaragucu and Rizespor in Ankara. Ankaragucu's president Faruk Koca stormed onto the pitch and punched referee Halil Umut Meler to the floor before a mass brawl unfolded.
Meler was then kicked in the head by other people involved in the disgraceful scenes. The referee eventually made his way to the dressing room with the help of the police, while Koca and another individual have been detained by police in Ankara.
Turkey's interior minister Ali Yerlikaya has confirmed that Koca is currently being treated in hospital under police supervision. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has condemned the horrible scenes in Ankara and have postponed all matches indefinitely.
Koca invaded the pitch after Adolfo Gaich scored a 97th-minute equaliser for Rizespor. Video footage and photos show Koca running onto the pitch and punching Meler in the face before others kick the referee in the head as he tries to stand back up.
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Meler was filmed looking bewildered after the horrific attack, with significant swelling around one of his eyes. The 37-year-old referee's condition remains unclear at this stage. It's also unclear what injuries Koca has suffered, although he is said to be in hospital.
Yerlikaya posted on X: "I strongly condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler... Such incidents are unacceptable on our green fields, which are the ground of peace and friendship. We are following this sad event. I offer my best wishes to our referee Halil Umut Meler, who successfully represents Turkish refereeing abroad."
Meler was kicked as he laid on the floor (Getty Images)Turkey's interior minister later confirmed Koca's arrest by the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. He noted: "Koca... is being treated in hospital under the supervision of our security forces. Detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment."
The TFF has also released a statement on the matter. They have "strongly condemned the inhumane and despicable attack" and are following Meler's condition "closely" but have stopped short of providing an update. They have also wished him a "speedy recovery".
The referee was left with swelling around one of his eyes (Getty Images)Their statement continued: "This vile attack was not only made against Halil Umut Meler. Today, this inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish football.
"Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime. The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack."
The TFF have confirmed "all the criminal proceedings they deserve have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack". They have also promised to punish Koca, Ankaragucu and anyone else involved "in the most severe way".
Meler is one of Turkey's leading referees, having officiated in the Turkish Super Lig since 2015. He's been a FIFA-listed referee since 2017 and joined UEFA's Elite group last year. Meler has taken charge of Champions League fixtures this season.