Ankaragucu’s Faruk Koca entered the sphere and hit referee Halil Meler within the face after the Super Lig match towards Rizespor led to a late 1-1 draw.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended all leagues on a “night of shame” for the nation’s soccer after Ankaragucu’s president Faruk Koca punched the referee within the face on the finish of their Super Lig residence match towards Rizespor.
Koca entered the sphere and hit referee Halil Umut Meler when the ultimate whistle blew after Rizespor scored a 97th-minute equaliser within the 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium on Monday, footage from state broadcaster TRT confirmed.
Ankaragucu followers invaded the pitch after the sport and Meler was additionally kicked when he fell, although it was unclear who his assailants have been. Meler ultimately made it to the dressing room with the assistance of the police.
“The Turkish Football Federation has decided to suspend all matches in all leagues indefinitely,” the federation posted on X, previously often known as Twitter.
“The related club, the club chairman, club officials and all those guilty of attacking referee Umut Meler will be punished in the strongest terms possible.”
A detention order has been issued for Koca, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated in a submit on X, including that two individuals have already been detained as a part of a judicial investigation into the incident.
“Turkish football has been punched shamefully tonight. Everyone involved in this incident will pay the price,” TFF Chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi stated, based on TRT.
‘Despicable attack’
According to Turkish media, each Meler and Koca have been subsequently taken to hospital, with Koca below guard and anticipated to be detained following remedy.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted in Turkish media condemning the assault because the TFF swiftly introduced the suspension.
“By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
The TFF blamed the “despicable attack” on a years-long poisonous tradition in the direction of referees that it stated had been fostered by many gamers and membership officers.
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.”
A FIFA referee since 2017, 37-year-old Meler took cost of Lazio’s Champions League group sport with Celtic on November 28.
Referees in Turkey are sometimes criticised by membership managers and presidents for his or her choices however are not often the goal of violent assaults.
Ankaragucu are eleventh within the standings on 18 factors, three locations under Rizespor on 22 factors after 15 matches.
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