Referee punched: Turkish FA halts league football after club president hits Super Lig official

Following an incident where a referee was physically assaulted by a club president, Turkish football authorities have taken swift action by suspending all leagues indefinitely. The attack occurred after a top-flight game between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor, where referee Halil Umut Meler was punched to the ground by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. The assault took place after Ankaragucu conceded a last-minute equalizer.

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi denounced the attack, describing it as a “night of shame for Turkish football.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino also condemned the incident, emphasizing that violence has no place in sports or society.

Meler, a respected referee, suffered injuries, including a minor fracture, after being struck multiple times. The chaotic scenes that unfolded led to the hospitalization of both Meler and Koca, who is expected to face detention procedures after treatment. Other individuals involved in the incident have been arrested.

In response to the attack, the TFF expressed strong condemnation, attributing the incident to irresponsible statements from club officials and media figures targeting referees. The federation has initiated criminal proceedings against those responsible and is determined to mete out severe punishments.

The incident prompted widespread reactions from football clubs, with Galatasaray calling for an emergency meeting to address growing issues in Turkish football. The Association of Active Football Referees and Observers of Turkey urged all referees to abstain from officiating, stating that the attack was not only against Meler but the entire referee community.

The Turkish Super Lig Professional Football Clubs Foundation condemned the assault and affirmed the clubs’ commitment to taking steps to prevent future violent incidents. The TFF emphasized that football matches should not be treated as wars, and the penalties for Ankaragucu and its management will be severe, with discussions on the sanctions set to begin.