Sky News- Tuesday 12 December 2023 Halil Umut Meler was approached on the pitch and hit by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca following a 1-1 draw in the team's Super Lig clash. The Turkish Football Federation said those responsible "will be punished in the most severe way".

Professional football in Turkey has been suspended after a top referee was punched to the ground by a club president at the end of a match in the country's highest league.

Halil Umut Meler was attacked at the final whistle and hit in the face by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, sparking a melee of players and officials either joining the chaos or trying to intervene.

As Meler lay on the ground he was also kicked in the head at least once.

During the game he had sent off one player from each side in the Super Lig clash, before allowing an equaliser for opponents Rizespor in the seventh minute of injury time to force a 1-1 draw.

On Tuesday Turkish minister of justice Yilmaz Tunc said Mr Koca had been arrested "for the crimes of injuring and threatening a public servant due to his public duty".

1. Turkish Football Federation (TFF) condemned the attack and announced all matches will be suspended indefinitely, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said sports are about "peace and brotherhood".

In a statement, The TFF blamed the incident on a toxic culture towards referees fostered by players and club officials over 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."

 https://news.sky.com/story/super-lig-professional-football-in-turkey-suspended-indefinitely-after-club-president-punches-referee-13028430

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