Turkish Football Leagues Suspended After Referee Halil Umut Meler Assaulted
Halil Umut Meler, a prominent Turkish referee, faced a shocking physical assault by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, leading to the suspension of all Turkish football leagues. The incident unfolded on Monday when Koca, in response to his team conceding a last-minute equalizer, ran onto the pitch, resulting in a night of disgrace for Turkish football, as stated by Turkish Football Federation chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi.
The aftermath of the assault was severe, with Meler, a respected 37-year-old referee, sustaining injuries, including a minor fracture. The chaos extended beyond the attack, causing clashes among players and club officials. Faruk Koca, after hospital treatment, is set to undergo detention procedures, condemned by Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya. Several individuals involved in the assault have been arrested.
Meler, known for officiating international games for Fifa and being on Uefa’s elite referee list, is receiving medical attention. Dr Mehmet Yorubulut, the chief physician treating Meler, assured that there is no current life-threatening situation, with the referee expected to be discharged after further examinations in the morning.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemned the violence, emphasizing the crucial role of match officials in football. He urged authorities to enforce and respect security measures. The incident prompted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to issue a late-night call, stressing that sports should embody peace and brotherhood, emphasizing that violence is incompatible with sports.
