Referee in hospital after attack in Turkey as FIFA chief demands action
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has slammed the “totally unacceptable” attack on a referee which has led to all Turkish football being shut down.
Turkish authorities have issued a warrant for the arrest of MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after he punched referee Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded a 97th minute equaliser to Caykur Rizespor.
It has caused outrage around the world and serves as a clear warning about respect for officials throughout football.
Infantino said: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. It is totally unacceptable and has no place in our sport or society.
"Without match officials there is no football. Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
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Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also spoken out after the attack in the football-mad country.
Erdogan said: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
"Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
Meler, 37, is a top UEFA referee who is on their elite list of Champions League officials and took charge of West Ham's Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar last season.
Both Meier and Koca were taken to hospital after the angry melee at the end of the game with the official left with a black eye.
Turkish FA chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said: “The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely. This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football.”
The Federation also issued a strongly worded statement which insisted everyone should take a long hard look at their comments and actions.
Faruk Koca, President of MKE Ankaragucu throws a punch to the referee Halil Umut Meler (Getty Images)It read: “The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack.”
That will shine a light on the need for more respect for officials worldwide with law makers IFAB recently giving the go-ahead for officials to use body cams after a successful trial at grassroots level in England.
But the Premier League and EFL must now learn lessons and it should serve as a warning for managers and players to stop abusing referees as it is just one step away from their actions becoming physical.
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It comes as the Turkish Super League was already in the spotlight as one of their biggest clubs, Besiktas, suspended FIVE players after they lost 3-1 to Fenerbahce last weekend.
Referee Halil Umut Meler's face swelled after the attack (Getty Images)Besiktas stars Eric Bailly, Vincent Aboubakar, Valentin Rosier, Rachid Ghezzal and Jean Onana were all removed from first team duties because the club said of “poor performances and incompatibility.”
That was an unprecedented move which highlights the chaos in the Turkish Super League with four of the five - Rosier the exception - being French speakers who are expected to be called up for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
It has raised major question marks as to why Besiktas have seemingly targeted four players who are due to go to AFCON.
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