The referee who was punched by a club president in the Turkish Super Lig has been pictured in hospital wearing a neck brace.
UEFA official Halil Umut Meler was attacked after overseeing the 1-1 draw between Ankaragucu and Rizespor. After the match, Meler was walking back towards the tunnel when he was savagely punched by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
As the Champions League official laid on the floor in pain, he also appeared to be kicked in the head at least twice by other people in the melee. One night after his terrifying ordeal, he has been pictured in hospital.
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A photo of Meler laying in a hospital bed wearing a huge neck brace. appearing to speak to somebody on the phone was uploaded onto social media. An arrest warrant has been issued for Koca, who was incensed when his side conceded a 96th minute equaliser in a game which saw both teams have a player sent off.
The attack has been condemned by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who demanded serious consequences for those involved. He said: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. It is totally unacceptable and has no place in our sport or society.
What was your reaction to this sickening attack? Let us know in the comment section below
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"Without match officials there is no football. Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Edrogan also spoke out after the attack. “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery," he said. "Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”
Turkish football has since been indefinitely suspended since the attack. A statement from the Turkish Football Federation said: “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 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.”
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