In a shocking turn of events, Turkish football has been plunged into crisis as the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended all leagues following a violent assault on referee Halil Umut Meler. The incident occurred after a top-flight game between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor ended in a 1-1 draw, with MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca physically assaulting the referee.
TFF chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi, addressing the media, described the attack as a “night of shame for Turkish football” and announced the indefinite postponement of all league matches. The severity of the situation prompted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to label the incident “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that violence has no place in the sport or society.
Halil Umut Meler, a respected 37-year-old referee who officiates international games for FIFA and is on UEFA’s elite referee list, suffered multiple blows and sustained injuries, including a minor fracture. The assailant, Faruk Koca, required hospital treatment, and Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, stated that detention procedures would be carried out after his treatment.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, emphasizing that sports should promote peace and brotherhood, not violence. MKE Ankaragucu regretted the incident, apologizing to the football community, while Caykur Rizespor supported Meler and condemned the undesirable events.
The TFF condemned the attack as an “inhumane and despicable” act, attributing it to irresponsible statements from club officials, managers, coaches, and TV commentators targeting referees. In coordination with the state, the federation initiated criminal proceedings against those responsible for the attack and the instigators.
TFF chairman Buyukeksi announced that Ankaragucu and its managers would face severe punishment, with penalties to be discussed in decision-making committees. Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s prominent teams, called for an emergency meeting to address the growing issue in Turkish football.
In response to the incident, the Association of Active Football Referees and Observers of Turkey called on all referees to refrain from taking the field, asserting that the attack was against Meler and the entire referee community. The Turkish Super Lig Professional Football Clubs Foundation condemned the assault, expressing readiness to take steps to prevent future violent incidents.
As Turkish football grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the hope is that the decisive actions taken by the TFF will pave the way for a safer and more respectful environment in the sport.
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