The Turkish Football Federation (TFF, in Turkish) took an unprecedented step by deciding to indefinitely postpone all matches in all leagues and condemns the "inhuman and vile attack" perpetrated by "unscrupulous individuals" against a referee in a match of the Turkish league. This drastic measure seeks to send a clear message of repudiation of violence in Turkish football and ensure that the necessary measures are taken to address this critical situation.
In a shameful episode that has shocked Turkish football, the president of the Ankaragücü club, Faruk Koca, physically attacked referee Halil Umut Meler - a FIFA referee - at the end of the Super League match this Monday between Ankaragücü and Rizespor, after the latter team will achieve a one-goal draw in added time.
According to images broadcast live on television, Faruk Koca entered the field of play and punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face and several kicks. The incident became even more violent when other individuals, apparently members of the home team, joined in attacking the fallen referee. Subsequently, several local fans invaded the field with the intention of attacking the referee team, who were intervened by members of stadium security and police officers.
Meler, bruised in his left eye and suffering from severe shock from the blows received, was immediately taken to the hospital. The seriousness of the situation led Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya to announce the arrest of three people, including the president of the Ankaragücü club.
For his part. The Federation underlines the seriousness of the incident and the determination of the sports authorities to guarantee the integrity and security of Turkish football. The focus now turns to the further actions that will be taken at both a sporting and legal level to address this unfortunate episode and restore confidence in the country's football. For the moment, it took drastic measures by deciding the indefinite suspension of all championship matches.
While the Turkish Referees Association urges its members to exercise their right to withdraw in protest of violence against referees.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, stating: "I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler. We will never allow violence to infiltrate Turkish sport."
