THE Football Federation of Turkey announced the indefinite postponement of all matches in all football leagues, after punch attack received by the president of Ankaragutsu, the referee, at the end of the match against Rizespor, for the 15th matchday of the Turkish “Super League”. Ankara club president Faruk Koca entered the pitch and knocked referee Halil Umut Meler to the ground with a vicious punch to the face.
Rizespor had drawn 1-1 in stoppage time before Koca entered the pitch and attacked Meler. The referee’s state of health does not inspire any concern, but according to information he is in a bad psychological state. The president of Ankaragucu was arrested and all the prescribed criminal procedures are brought against him. He was initially taken to hospital as he reportedly felt unwell from the tension after the episode. Turkish media reports that they have been done six arrests.
After the episode, the Board of Directors of the Football Federation of Turkey held an emergency meeting late at night and decided to postpone all matches.
“This despicable attack was not only against Halil Umut Meler” said TFF president Mehmet Buyukeksi and spoke of “inhumane and despicable attack” which was made against all the bodies of Turkish football.
“By decision of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely” write down.
In a post on Platform X, the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned the attack and noted:Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is not compatible with violence. We will never allow the presence of violence in Turkish sports».
Source: Sport Fm
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