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After MKE Ankaragucu conceded a late equaliser against Caykur Rizespor for 1-1 result at home in the Turkish Super Lig, their club President Faruk Koca punched the referee Halil Umut Meler to the ground. Following this shocking incident at the Eryaman Stadium on Monday, December 11, the TFF Chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi postponed matches in all leagues indefinitely in Turkey.
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Following the final whistle at the Eryaman Stadium, Faruk Koca was spotted on camera, running on the football pitch before he punched the referee Halil Umut Meler. It led to the players of both teams and the officials either joining the chaos or trying to ensure that common sense prevailed at long last.
In the meantime, the fans of MKE Ankaragucu had also invaded the football pitch, and when the referee Halil Umut Meler fell to the ground, he was kicked by multiple people, whose identities are yet unknown. When he was able to stand on his own two feet, his face was visibly swollen, and the police came to his rescue shortly afterwards, taking him to the dressing room safely.
Watch the referee getting attacked by club President here:
TFF releases statement to wish speedy recovery to referee Halil Umut Meler
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) released a statement wishing a speedy recovery to the referee Halil Umut Meler and vowing to punish those who attacked him “in the most severe way.” It read, “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.”
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today. In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack. The responsible club, the club President, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way. By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely,” the statement added.
