Turkish Football Federation Halts All League Matches Indefinitely Amidst Referee Assault
The Turkish Football Federation has suspended all league matches indefinitely after a referee was violently attacked following a Süper Lig match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor
All matches in Turkey's leagues have been indefinitely postponed by the Turkish Football Federation, after a violent attack on a referee following a Süper Lig match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor on Monday night. The incident occurred after a 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium in Ankara, where the home team conceded an equalizing goal in the 97th minute. Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca ran onto the field and punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face.
On December 10th, 2023, during the Spanish league La Liga EA Sports football match between Granada CF and Athletic Club at Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium in Granada, Spain, the game was temporarily halted due to a fan experiencing health issues. Athletic players can be seen waiting on the field as the situation is addressed. (Photo By Alex Camara/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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After being struck, Meler fell to the ground and was then kicked by at least two people. He was assisted by players and security personnel to stand up and leave the field. Photos and videos depict Meler with a swollen left eye and an ice pack, escorted by security personnel with riot shields. According to TRT, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has issued a statement strongly condemning the cruel and disgraceful attack on Halil Umut Meler, the FIFA licensed referee, by conscious criminals after the Trendyol Süper Lig match. The TFF also expressed their concern for Meler's health and wished him a swift recovery.
The federation has announced that the board of directors has agreed to indefinitely postpone matches in all leagues. Additionally, criminal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for the "inhumane attack."
"The responsible club, the Club President, its managers, and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished to the fullest extent," the federation stated.
FIFA has not responded to CNN's request for comment, however, its president Gianni Infantino denounced the attack in a statement shared on Instagram. He stated, "There is no room for violence in football, whether on or off the field," and emphasized that the events on Monday were "completely unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society."
"Football cannot exist without match officials. It is crucial for referees, players, fans, and staff to be safe and secure in order to fully enjoy the game. I urge the appropriate authorities to enforce and respect these measures at all levels."
In the meantime, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has confirmed through a post on X, previously known as Twitter, that Koca is under the care of security forces at the hospital.
Yerlikaya announced that detention procedures would be implemented for Koca after his treatment, and mentioned that two other individuals had already been arrested. According to CNN Türk, Koca stated on Beyaz TV that he experienced a blackout and does not recall his actions.
Meler had a swollen eye after being punched.
Emin Sansar/Anadolu/Getty Images
"My brain went crazy, my eyesight blacked out! I dont remember what I did!" Koca said.
On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan denounced the attack in a statement.
"I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragücü-Ãaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a quick recovery," Erdogan said. "Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."
Ankaragücü, the club whose president instigated the attack, has issued an apology for the incident.
"The MKE Ankaragücü Sports Club expresses its regret for the incident that occurred this evening," the club stated.
"We deeply regret the unfortunate incident that took place after the Ãaykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium, and apologize to the Turkish football public and the sports community as a whole." Rizespor extended their well wishes to Meler, stating, "We vehemently condemn the unacceptable events that transpired after today's Ankaragücü match. We extend our best wishes to the entire referee community, particularly referee Halil Umut Meler, for a speedy recovery."
Meler, 37, has been a FIFA-licensed referee since 2017. Chief Physician Dr. Mehmet Yörübulut of Acıbadem Ankara Hospital reported that Meler was treated for a minor fracture and bleeding around his left eye. As a precaution, he will remain at the hospital overnight due to the head trauma he sustained. "We are relieved that it is not life-threatening," Yörübulut said.
Galatasaray, a prominent club in the country and participant in the UEFA Champions League, expressed deep sadness over the events and urged for a thorough review of the growing issue in the country.
"This is a moment for reflection and evaluation of the impact of Turkish football on all involved. Regardless of past occurrences, it is crucial for all of us to unite and take action to address the challenges we face," stated Galatasaray.
"The team wants to emphasize that no victory or championship can outweigh even the smallest pain," the team stated. Ankaragücü is currently ranked 11th in the Turkey Süper Lig with 18 points, placing them three spots below Rizespor, who has earned 22 points this season.
