Turkey was plunged into chaos when referee Halil Umut Meler was assaulted by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca following a Super Lig match with the punch video now viral
The violent incident resulted in Meler being knocked to the ground by Koca’s punch, followed by further kicks from others. In the aftermath of this shocking attack, the Super Lig has been indefinitely suspended, drawing widespread condemnation, including from Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkey referee Halil Umut Meler punched by Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca, video goes viral
Türkische Fußball Liga. Ankaragücü-Präsident Faruk Koca prügelt auf Schiedsrichter Halil Umut Meler ein. Unfassbar!
— 🎙️🎙️ 𝔻𝕖𝕒𝕟 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕚 🎙️🎙️ (@Dean_Martin_11) December 11, 2023
Inhumane & Despicable Attack
The suspension of all football in Turkey comes in the wake of an appalling act, where Faruk Koca confronted referee Halil Umut Meler on the pitch after MKE Ankaragucu conceded a last-minute equalizer in a 1-1 Super Lig draw against Caykur Rizespor.
The assault escalated as Meler, lying on the ground to shield himself, was subjected to additional kicks. The Turkish Football Federation issued a statement denouncing the attack as “inhumane and despicable,” expressing concern for Meler’s health and wishing him a swift recovery.
Crime Against Referees
The statement went on to criticize the broader atmosphere surrounding football in Turkey, attributing the incident to irresponsible statements by club officials, managers, coaches, and TV commentators that allegedly encouraged crimes against referees.
The Federation announced the initiation of criminal proceedings against those responsible for the attack and insisted on severe punishment for the club, its president, managers, and all involved in the assault.
Consequently, the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors decided to indefinitely postpone matches across all leagues. Halil Umut Meler, a respected referee who officiated in three Champions League matches this season, was promptly taken to the hospital.
Halil Umut Meler’s Condition
The chief physician at the hospital, Dr. Mehmet Yorubulut, provided reassurance about Meler’s condition, stating that there was no immediate life threat but acknowledging bleeding around the left eye and a small fracture.
The hospital would continue monitoring Meler for head trauma, with plans to discharge him after further examinations in the morning.
The assailant, Faruk Koca, was reported to be under the supervision of security forces in the hospital, while additional individuals involved in the incident were arrested, according to Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasizing that sports should embody peace and brotherhood, unequivocally opposing violence in Turkish sports.
MKE Ankaragucu issued an apology for the regrettable incident, expressing sorrow and extending apologies to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community.
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