Turkish Leagues Put on Hold After Club President Assaults Referee

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Football matches in Turkey’s leagues have been halted indefinitely by the country’s football association following an incident where Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu club, assaulted a referee at the conclusion of a Super Lig game on Monday night.

According to Sky Sports, Koca entered the field and physically assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler following Ankaragucu’s match against Rizespor.

Ankaragucu conceded a late equalizer in the 97th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw and maintaining Rizespor’s four-point lead over the hosts.

Enraged Ankaragucu supporters stormed the field post-game, and Meler was kicked while on the ground, although the identities of the assailants remained unclear. With police assistance, the referee eventually reached the dressing room.

The Turkish Football Federation strongly denounced the “inhumane and despicable” assault on referee Halil Umut Meler in a statement issued several hours after the conclusion of the match.

They expressed concern for Meler’s well-being and extended wishes for a swift recovery to the esteemed official.

“This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football. 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 criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.

“The responsible club, the club President, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.

“By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”

Turkey’s football federation, the TFF, is set to convene an extraordinary meeting in response to the recent unrest, as reported by Turkey’s public broadcaster, TRT. The incident has garnered attention at the highest levels, with Turkey’s president, Recep Erdogan, publicly condemning the attack in Turkish media.

“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,” said Erdogan.

“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”

“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,” said Erdogan.

“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that a detention order has been issued for Ankaragucu club president Faruk Koca following the incident involving the assault on the referee.

Two individuals have been detained as part of a judicial investigation into the assault on the referee, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. Ankaragucu club president Faruk Koca is among those facing a detention order in connection with the incident.

An official apology was issued by Ankaragucu on social media two hours after the match, expressing remorse for the incident.

Referee Halil Umut Meler, aged 37 and a FIFA official since 2017, had previously officiated in high-profile matches, including Lazio’s Champions League group game against Celtic.

While referees in Turkey frequently face criticism from club managers and presidents, physical attacks are rare. Ankaragucu currently occupies the 11th position in the Super Lig with 18 points, trailing Rizespor, who are in eighth place with 22 points from 15 matches.

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