SüperLig - Brutal attack on referee shocks Turkey - match operations suspended for the time being
On Monday evening, there were violent scenes in the first Turkish soccer league after the match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor. The referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler, 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 the state news agency Anadolu, Koca and two other suspects have since been arrested.
The Turkish Football Association has meanwhile announced the "harshest" punishments and suspended all matches in all leagues until further notice. "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.
Outcry in Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks out
Turkish head of state Recep Tayyip Erdogan 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," Erdogan wrote on the news platform X and wished the referee a speedy recovery.
Türkische Fußball Liga. Ankaragücü-Präsident Faruk Koca prügelt auf Schiedsrichter Halil Umut Meler ein. Unfassbar!
pic.twitter.com/0KQZ9tOZic
— 🎙️🎙️ 𝔻𝕖𝕒𝕟 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕚 🎙️🎙️ (@Dean_Martin_11) December 11, 2023
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 the wake of the attack, Anadolu News Agency reported that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is reviewing the incident and may impose sanctions on Ankaragücü, notably their president Faruk Koca, due to his involvement in the fist punch incident during the game operation. Meanwhile, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey, has condemned the violence and called for maintaining sportsmanship in Turkish football.
Source: www.stern.de
