Domestic football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely after one of many nation’s high referees was punched to the bottom by a club president following a Super Lig match on Monday.
Halil Umut Meler was approached on the pitch and hit by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, sparking chaotic scenes as gamers and officers joined the melee or tried to intervene.
Meler had despatched off one participant from all sides, then allowed an equaliser for opponents Rizespor in the seventh minute of damage time to pressure a 1-1 draw.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was quoted in Turkish media condemning the assault, and the Turkish Football Federation swiftly introduced the suspension.
In a press release, it blamed the “despicable attack” on a years-long poisonous tradition in direction of referees that it stated had been fostered by many gamers and club officers.
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today,” stated the TFF.
“In coordination with our State, all of the legal proceedings they deserve have begun to be carried out in opposition to these accountable and instigators of this inhumane assault. The accountable club, its president, its managers and all criminals who attacked Meler might be punished in probably the most extreme approach.
“By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
According to Turkish media, each Meler and Koca have been subsequently taken to hospital, with Koca underneath guard and anticipated to be detained following therapy.
The 37-year-old Meler is on UEFA’s elite listing and has beforehand officiated in the UEFA Europa League. He additionally took cost of West Ham’s Conference League semi-final first leg in opposition to AZ Alkmaar final season.
President Erdogan stated in a press release: “I condemn the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match performed this night, and I want him a speedy restoration.
“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
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