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It happened on Monday evening in the Süper Lig match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor (1:1): After the opponent scored the equalizer in injury time, Ankaragücü’s president Faruk Koca (59) really lost his nerve. After the final whistle, he marched onto the field and brutally attacked referee Halil Umut Meler (37). With one punch he knocks out the referee, who is then kicked by other people while he is on the ground.
Only through the intervention of the security service can the injured referee be freed from the commotion. He is taken straight to hospital, where a head injury, a broken cheekbone and a bruise on his eye are discovered. The frustrated president’s outburst of violence keeps Turkish football in suspense – the first consequences are already visible.
League paused until further notice – president arrested for now
Firstly, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that Süper Lig matches will be suspended until further notice. “By decision of the board of the Turkish Football Association, matches in all competitions have been postponed indefinitely.” The “despicable attack” is not only against the referee involved, but “against all players in Turkish football”. Now it is important to impose the ‘strictest’ sanctions.
President Koca will probably notice this soon. He was arrested on Monday evening along with other violent criminals involved, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunc.
One thing is clear: the association’s leadership is determined to set an example. “Turkish football has suffered a shameful blow. Everyone involved in this incident will pay the price,” said TFF chairman Mehmet Büyükeksi.
Erdogan also speaks out
The incident is also worrying beyond the boundaries of sport. Late on Monday evening, Turkish President Recep Erdogan (69) spoke out. On the short message service X, formerly Twitter, he writes: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler that evening, I wish him a speedy recovery. Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.” (sbe/AFP)
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
