Football suspended after referee is punched and kicked in horrifying attack
Football in Turkey has been suspended after a referee was punched and kicked
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The Turkish Super Lig has been suspended after a referee was punched and kicked during a match on Monday night.
Ankaragucu and Rizespor drew 1-1, with the visitors scoring at the death through Adolfo Gaich.
However, the match was marred by disgraceful scenes with referee Halil Umut Meler victim of a horrifying assault.
Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca, ran onto the field to punch Meler shortly after Rizespor scored an equaliser in the 97th minute.
Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler on Monday night
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Koca walked onto the pitch and struck the official, with the referee also kicked in the face as he lay on the ground.
Both Meler and Koca was reportedly taken to hospital after the incident, with the latter under local guard.
After he receives treatment, he is expected to be detained.
The Turkish league has now been suspended in the aftermath of the shambolic scenes.
Turkey president Recep Tayyip Edrogan has responded to the attack already, saying: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match played this evening.
"And I wish him a speedy recovery.
“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence.
"We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."
It is currently unclear when the Turkish Super Lig will resume.
Chairman Hemet Buyukeksi has claimed the league has been postponed 'indefinitely' following the violence that broke out.
Meler has previously officiated in the Champions League and is on UEFA's elite list.
Rizespor have expressed support for the referee, saying in a statement: “We strongly condemn the undesirable events that occurred after the Ankaragucu match we played today.
“We wish for the referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler, to get well soon.”
And Ankaragucu said: “We are saddened by the incident that took place this evening.
“We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sporting community for the sad incident that occurred after the match.”
The Turkish FA have condemned the attack on Meler, saying: "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.
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Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca, ran onto the field to punch a referee on Monday night
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"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."
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