The Turkish Football Association has suspended matches across all Turkish football leagues indefinitely.
This decision was made following an incident where the president of Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, physically assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler at the conclusion of a Super Lig match on Monday night.
After Ankaragucu’s top-flight game against Rizespor ended in a 1-1 draw, Koca rushed onto the pitch and struck referee Halil Umut Meler.
This aggressive act occurred after Koca’s team conceded a 97th-minute equalizer, keeping Rizespor four points ahead of Ankaragucu in the league standings.
Following the match, Ankaragucu supporters stormed the pitch, and Meler was reportedly kicked while on the ground.
However, the identities of his assailants remained unclear. With the assistance of the police, Meler managed to reach the dressing room.
In response to the incident, the Turkish Football Federation released a statement several hours after the match, condemning the attack on the official as “inhumane and despicable.”
“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.
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today
