21 December 2023 , 09:12
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The Turkish referee who was hospitalised in a shocking attack earlier this month has broken his silence by giving a fiery interview in which he points the finger of blame.
Halil Umut Meler was punched in the face by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca before being kicked while he was on the floor by someone else. The incident has rocked Turkish football, with matches suspended and Koca banned for life from football.
The melee began after the final whistle was blown following a 97th minute equaliser for Caykur Rizespor against Ankaragucu. Meler has slammed Koca for his behaviour, but also blamed Ankaragucu manager Emre Belozoglu for his role in the attack.
"No, I did not forgive (Koca), I will not forgive," Meler told Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. "The person who did this punched me, I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life.
"That's why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it."
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Referring specifically to former Newcastle midfielder Belozoglu, he added: “After blowing the whistle, the players came to thank me. Meanwhile, I saw Belozoglu’s hands and arms (waving).” Asked if he was involved, he replied: “Yes, that is something clearly visible.”
Ankaragucu have responded to Meler’s comments, with spokesperson and board member Huseyin Aytekin saying: “Relevant referrals have been made regarding those responsible, and decisions have been rendered by the PFDK.
Former Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu is the manager of Ankaragucu (Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)“Our club will exercise its right to appeal to the Arbitration Committee for PFDK decisions. We, as MKE Ankaragucu Club, are disheartened to witness our technical director, Emre Belozoglu, persistently being drawn into the unfolding events.
"Our coach, Emre Belozoglu, whose name does not feature in the referee and representative reports, repeatedly expressed his regret to referee Halil Umut Meler both on the field and in the corridors.”
Koca resigned from his role with Ankaragucu, while the club were fined £50,000 and ordered to play five games behind closed doors. Turkey's justice minister Yilmaz Tunchas recently confirmed that Koca had been arrested "for injuring and threatening a public servant due to his public duty".
He has apologised in a statement, while the Turkish FA said they "strongly condemn the inhumane and despicable attack”. They added: "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 today.
"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 criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way."