Turkish Football League: Ankaragucu president slams referee on the face after abysmal decision, matches suspended indefinitely
In an unexpected turn of events in Turkish football, league matches get suspended after a horrific incident of match-official encroachment took place. In a game between Ankaragucu and Rizespor, the former club president Faruk Koca punched first official Halil Umut Meler after his side conceded a goal at the dying minutes, which resulted in a stalemate.
Unprecedented attack stalls league games
Football is a beautiful but dangerous game, especially when some illegitimate decision goes against a club, who are winning the fixture. A similar thing happened in Turkish league but things took a heated turn when club president decides to go on field to land a feisty punch on the most-important figure in a game- the referee.
Ankaragucu and Rizespor were involved in a crunch match at Turkish Super Lig, where the mid-table teams were playing out a rather comfortable game, But things got dangerous when Rizespor went on to score a goal on the 97th minute, meaning that they would be four points clear of Ankaragucu. After the game, Ankaragucu club president sprang into action when he came off the box to slam a feisty punch on referee Halil Umut Meler’s face. It was also seen that Meler was kicked on the ground after he fell down after receiving the assault, although assailants were unclear, as Ankaragucu fans were also seem storming into the pitch. Meler finally made it to the dressing room with the help of police and match guards.
Arrest warrant issued for Koca
A Turkish court announced that Koca and two other suspects were arrested due to this shambolic attitude shown by the President, as justice minister Yilmaz Tunc took to social media to reveal the proceedings, as he said on X, formerly twitter, “The investigation is continuing meticulously.”
Turkish football federation released its official statement after hours of this condemning attack, labeling it as “inhumane and despicable”. They were heard saying, “We are following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee. 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.”
They further added, “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.”
Information escalated quickly, reaching FIFA headquarters and country president
FIFA President Gianni Infantino quickly reacted to this issue, as he said, “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society. Without match officials there is no football. Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
Things escalated quite quickly as Turkish president Recep Erdogan even stated his opinions about the news, as he was heard saying, “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. Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
