Professional football has been suspended in Turkey after a referee was attacked on the pitch after the final whistle of a match in the country’s top league.
The president of football club MKE Ankaragücü rushed onto the pitch after his side’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor last night and appeared to punch referee Halil Umut Meler in the face.
The referee then fell to the ground and was kicked in the head at least once.
The attack sparked a full-on melee with players and officials attempting to intervene.
Bok çukuru bu ülke, cidden bok çukuru!#ankaragucu #farukkoca #halilumutmelerpic.twitter.com/5Vhac7YQra
— Umut (@demokrat_t_) December 12, 2023
The referee had sent off a player from each side during the Super Lig clash and had allowed an equalising goal for Rizespor in the seventh minute of injury time.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) last night condemned the attack and announced that all matches in the country will be suspended indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan got involved, warning that sports should be about “peace and brotherhood”.
Bok çukuru bu ülke, cidden bok çukuru!#ankaragucu #farukkoca #halilumutmelerpic.twitter.com/5Vhac7YQra
— Umut (@demokrat_t_) December 12, 2023
In a statement, the TFF blamed the incident on a toxic culture towards referees fostered by players and club officials over the years.
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today,” said the TFF.
“In coordination with our state, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.
“The responsible club, its president, its managers and all criminals who attacked Meler will be punished in the most severe way.
“By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
MKE Ankaragücü has apologised to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the incident.
Both the referee and club president remain in hospital this morning.
With reporting from IRN.
