In a wild turn of events, Ankaragucu club president Faruk Koca punched a referee during a Turkish Super Lig match resulting in a suspension of the league.
The game between Ankaragucu and Rizespor ended in a 1-1 draw. After the final whistle, Ankaragucu fans invaded the pitch in anger. Amidst the chaos, Koca stormed the pitch and hit referee Halil Umut Meler with what could best be described as a cheap shot.
Through all that drama and disaster, Meler was escorted back to the dressing room safely thanks to the police.
After the game — Ankaragucu vs Rizespor in the Turkish League, the Referee was punched by Ankaragucu president. 😧
— 90MinFoot (@90minfoot_euro) December 12, 2023
He should not be allowed to continue in any way 😡
Turkish FA postponed matches in all Leagues indefinitely.
Disgraceful-Shameful pic.twitter.com/T24L5jiDA6
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) released a statement a few hours after the incident condemning the attack and suspending the league.
“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”, says TFF.
The decision to postpone all the matches in the Turkish leagues indefinitely was made by the Federation. They have decided to hold a meeting with all the clubs.
This even reached Turkish President Recep Erdogan, who joined the chorus of condemnation of the incident.
“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,” said Erdogan.
