The Turkish referee, who suffered a vicious assault from Faruk Koca, vowed to never forgive his attacker while recounting the harrowing incident.
The assault occurred after Koca stormed onto the field following his team’s 97th-minute equalizer against Caykur Rizespor in a 1-1 Super Lig draw.
After spending three days in the hospital for recovery, the referee was released but was seen leaving the medical facility with a swollen eye.
In a Hurriyet interview, Meler stated, “No, I did not forgive [Koca], I will not forgive. 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. I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it.”
As a disciplinary measure, the Turkish Football Federation’s disciplinary board issued Koca a lifetime ban. Ankaragucu, Koca’s affiliated club, faced penalties, including playing five home matches behind closed doors and a fine of 60,000 euros ($66,000).
Meler commented on the incident, stating, “I think this was a milestone. No one should provoke [referees]. Everyone does their job. It is said that the problem is a lack of education. No, there is training in refereeing that is not available in corporate companies. That’s why I think referees should be encouraged. I think they are also tired of some things. We always say, pressure, pressure. Not only me, they also have a family.”
The aftermath of the incident resulted in the suspension of all leagues by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
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