Professional football in Turkey has been suspended after a top referee was punched to the ground by a club president at the end of a match in the country’s highest league.
Halil Umut Meler was approached and hit on the pitch by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, sparking a melee of players and officials either joining the chaos or trying to intervene.
Meler had sent off one player from each side in the Super Lig clash, before allowing an equaliser for opponents Rizespor in the seventh minute of injury time to force a 1-1 draw.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) condemned the attack and announced all matches will be suspended indefinitely, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said sports are about “peace and brotherhood”.
In a statement, The TFF blamed the incident on a toxic culture towards referees fostered by players and club officials over years.
Players and officials became involved. Pic: Anadolu via Getty
Referee Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground during the melee
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today,” said the TFF.
“In coordination with our state, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.
“The responsible club, its president, its managers and all criminals who attacked Meler will be punished in the most severe way.
“By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
Faruk Koca (left) reacts as Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground
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Both Meler and Koca were taken to hospital, according to Turkish media, with Koca under guard and expected to be detained after treatment.
Meler, 37, is on UEFA’s elite list and last season took charge of West Ham’s Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar.
President Erdogan said in a statement: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur 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.”