Referee attacked during high-profile game, discharged from hospital

The Shocking Incident: Referee Punched in Turkish Top-Flight Match

In a stunning turn of events during a Turkish top-flight match on Monday, the referee who was punched has been released from the hospital. The game between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor took an unexpected and violent turn when Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca, ran onto the pitch and struck match official Halil Umut Meler.

Koca’s outburst came after his team conceded a 97th-minute equalizer, resulting in a disappointing 1-1 draw. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the football community as players and club officials were caught up in chaotic scenes that unfolded.

Following this disgraceful act of violence, Koca was promptly arrested on Tuesday. As a result, all league football has been suspended to address this alarming situation appropriately.

The Aftermath: Injuries and Apologies

Halil Umut Meler suffered multiple blows after being punched by Koca. He endured injuries including a swollen eye and even minor fractures due to subsequent attacks while lying helpless on the turf. However, Mehmet Yorubulut, chief of medicine at Acibadem Hospital where Meler received treatment, confirmed that he is currently in “good condition.”

Meanwhile, justice minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that three individuals had been arrested alongside Koca following statements given to prosecutors. Additionally,
three other suspects are under judicial control as investigations continue into their involvement regarding this shocking incident.

Faced with immense backlash for his actions, Faruk Koca chose to resign as club president of Ankaragucu. He expressed deep remorse for what transpired on the field; describing it as an incredibly embarrassing moment.
Apologizing for his grave mistake, Koca acknowledged the severity of the incident and its impact on both himself and the football community.

Repercussions: Condemnation and Punishment

The violent episode sparked widespread condemnation from various authorities within Turkish football. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally reached out to Halil Umut Meler during his hospital stay, expressing his sadness and concern over the distressing event.

In response to this appalling behavior, the Turkish Football Federation made it clear that Ankaragucu as a club along with its chairman, club officials,
and all those involved in attacking the referee will face severe consequences.
The intention is to ensure that such actions are met with strong punishment in order to maintain integrity within Turkish football at large.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also voiced his deep dissatisfaction with what transpired,
stating firmly that violence has no place either in sports or society. He deemed this incident entirely unacceptable,
reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to eradicate any form of violence from the game we all love.

A Respected Official Targeted

Halil Umut Meler, aged 37, holds a prominent status among referees in Turkey. As one of their top officials,
he officiates international games representing FIFA.
Moreover, he belongs to UEFA’s elite referee list and has previously overseen significant matches like West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar last season along with Lazio’s Champions League group game versus Celtic just last month.