12 December 2023 , 07:19
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Football in Turkey has been put on hold indefinitely after a club president punched a top referee.
MKE Ankaragucu's president, Faruk Koca, hit referee Halil Umut Meler after a Super Lig match. Meler, who had sent off one player from each side, then allowed an equaliser for opponents Caykur Rizespor in the seventh minute of injury time to force a 1-1 draw, was then repeatedly kicked while on the floor.
The shameful scenes after the final whistle have led to widespread condemnation, including from Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish Football Federation have announced all matches have been suspended for the foreseeable future, after what the federation labelled a "despicable attack".
"The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today," said the TFF. "In coordination with our State, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack. The responsible club, its president, its managers and all criminals who attacked Meler will be punished in the most severe way."
The TFF Board of Directors announced: "By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely."
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Turkish media reported that both Meler and Koca were rushed to hospital, with Koca expected to be detained after treatment.
Meler, 37, is a top UEFA referee who is on UEFA's elite list, has been a part of Champions League matches and was the referee for West Ham's Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar last season.
President Erdogan condemned the attack, saying: "I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery."
He added: "Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."
MKE Ankaragucu apologised for the incident, with their president stating: "We are saddened by the incident that took place this evening. We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Caykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium."
Halil Umut Meler was punched to the floor on Monday night (Getty Images)
Referee Halil Umut Meler on the ground after the attack (Getty Images)Caykur Rizespor also condemned the attack and wished Meler a quick recovery. They said on their website: "We strongly condemn the undesirable events that occurred after the Ankaragucu match we played today.
"We wish the entire referee community, especially the referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler, to get well soon."
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