Arrests and league suspended after attack on referee
After the first division match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor, there is a violent attack on referee Meler. Even a club president is involved. Match operations in the SüperLig are suspended. The association threatens the "harshest punishments", as does Turkish head of state Erdoğan.
Following the violent attack on referee Halil Umut Meler at the first division match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor, the Turkish Football Association has announced the "harshest" punishments and postponed matches in all leagues indefinitely. "In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings they deserve have been initiated against the perpetrators and instigators of this inhumane attack. The club responsible, the club president, its managers and all those guilty of attacking Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe manner," the association announced.
There were violent scenes after the game on Monday evening. The referee was attacked by several people, including Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca. Pictures show Koca hitting the referee in the face with his fist. Meler fell to the ground while other people kicked him. Rizespor had scored the 1-1 equalizer in the seventh minute of stoppage time. According to state news agency Anadolu, Koca and two other suspects were detained.
Words "paved the way for heinous attack"
Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also spoke out after the scandal. "Sport means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to occur in Turkish sport," Erdoğan wrote on X and wished the referee a speedy recovery.
The constant criticism of referees had also led to this outbreak of violence, the association said: "Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is involved in this heinous crime. The irresponsible comments made by club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators towards referees today have paved the way for this heinous attack."
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In response to the heinous attack on referee Halil Umtan Meler during the Ankaragücü versus Rizespor match, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his disapproval of violence in soccer and wished the referee a speedy recovery. The attack was reportedly prompted by the relentless criticism of referees, leading the Turkish Football Association to hold those responsible accountable and issuing stern warnings against such actions.
During a press conference, Erdogan called for peace and solidarity in Turkish soccer, stating that violence has no place in the sport and vowed to take firm action against those who instigated or carried out the attack. He also praised the quick response of law enforcement agencies in detaining those involved in the incident.
Source: www.ntv.de
