Turkish referee punched – Twice

Turkish referee punched

league bosses have decided to suspend Turkish football.A referee from a high-level match was taken to the hospital after being knocked to the ground by a club president after the game concluded.

Super Lig takımı MKE Ankaragücü’nün başkanı Faruk Koca, Caykur Rizespor ile berabere kaldıktan sonra sahaya koşup hakem Halil Umut Meler’e saldırdı.

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Meler ended up in the hospital after being knocked down by Koca, whose team had allowed a goal in the 97th minute and tied the game 1-1.

After the event, the Turkish FA (TFF) chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi informed the media that the matches in all leagues have been indefinitely delayed.

“This incident is a disgraceful night for Turkish football.”

Football games are not a battle where lives are lost. It is important to recognize that not all teams can be champions simultaneously. It is crucial for us all to comprehend this fact. We urge everyone to assume accountability.

Buyukeksi stated that Ankaragucu will receive the harshest penalty after the occurrence, which led to disorderly scenes where Meler was repeatedly hit by others while lying on the field. He later had to go to the hospital for treatment due to a minor fracture.

Yilmaz Tunc, the justice minister of Turkey, stated on Tuesday that the individuals responsible for the attack were issued with an arrest warrant. He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring and meticulously conducting the investigation.

According to Dr. Mehmet Yorubulut, the main doctor at the hospital where Meler received treatment, the referee’s condition is not currently life-threatening. He has only suffered bleeding around his left eye and a minor fracture.

“We will keep a close watch on the referee throughout the night because of the injury to his head. Once the required tests are done in the morning, we will release him from the hospital.”

Turkey Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, stated that he provided further clarification on the processes involving the detention of individuals.After his involvement in the violent altercation, Ankaragucu president Koca will undergo hospital treatment and be taken care of.

Yerlikaya made it clear that there have been arrests made in regards to the incident, which he strongly disapproved of.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has released a statement expressing his strong disapproval of the episode.

Infantino stated that violence has no place in football, whether it be on the field or outside of it.

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The events that occurred after the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor are completely unacceptable and do not belong in our sport or society.

“Football cannot exist without match officials. It is essential for referees, players, fans, and staff to feel safe and protected in order to fully enjoy the game. I urge the appropriate authorities to enforce and respect these measures diligently across all levels of the sport.”

The Turkish Association of Active Football Referees and Observers has urged all referees to boycott participating in matches, stating that the recent aggressive assault targeted not only referee Halil Umut Meler but also the entire community of referees.

The Turkish Football Association has claimed that the irresponsible remarks made by club presidents, managers, coaches, and TV commentators towards referees have led to this despicable assault today.

The president of the country, Recep Erdogan, expressed his condemnation of the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler following the MKE Ankaragucu vs. Caykur Rizespor match tonight. Additionally, he wished the referee a quick and full recovery.

“Serving as a symbol of harmony and unity, sports represents a concept that cannot coexist with aggression. We are committed to preventing any form of violence within the realm of Turkish sports.”

Turkey’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Osman Askin Bak, expressed his strong denouncement of the assault on the referee during the game. He stated that such occurrences have no place in the world of sports or Turkish football and should not be witnessed on the playing fields.

MKE Ankaragucu expressed their sorrow over the incident that occurred on the evening, and they apologize to the Turkish football audience and the entire sports community for the unfortunate occurrence that happened after the Caykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium.

Caykur Rizespor expressed their support for Meler by stating their well wishes to the entire referee community, particularly the referee of the game, Halil Umut Meler, for a speedy recovery.

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Galatasaray, a Turkish club currently participating in the Champions League, expressed that it is crucial for all individuals involved in Turkish football to assess and contemplate their actions tonight.

Meler, who is 37 years old, is considered one of the best referees in Turkey and has officiated international matches for FIFA. He is also a part of UEFA’s prestigious list of elite referees and was responsible for overseeing Lazio’s Champions League group match against Celtic on November 28.

MKE Ankaragucu is currently in 11th position in the Super Lig standings with a total of 18 points. They are trailing behind Caykur Rizespor by three places, as Rizespor is sitting on 22 points after 15 matches.

Emin Sansar took this photograph, which is available through Anadolu Getty Images.