The president of a top Turkish football club caused a stir when he rushed onto the pitch and punched a referee in the face after a draw.
In shocking scenes condemned by the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca launched a brutal attack on referee Halil Umut Meler shortly after his team's 1-1 draw with Rizespor.
Disgusting images show Koca's fist hitting the referee's cheek just below his left eye, sending the referee plummeting to the ground.
Others then hit him with a series of kicks as he curled up on the ground and covered his face.
A large crowd of players, coaching staff and security guards quickly ran to the scene and stopped the attack. The shaken Meler finally helped himself to his feet. After he was taken away, he was found to have a swollen eye.
The moment Faruk Koca's fist touches referee Halil Umut Meler's face after a Turkish Süper Lig match on Monday
The president of Turkish Super Lig club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, punched a referee in the face
Halil Umut Meler was thrown to the ground after the blow and suffered a black eye
Meler collapsed to the ground after being hit by Koca following the 1-1 game
Koca stormed onto the pitch after his team's 1-1 draw against Rizespor and attacked the referee
Meler tried to protect his face after the punch while others kicked him to the ground
The scenes were captured by photographers from different angles and in the live broadcast of the Turkish Süper Lig match – the top division of Turkish football.
The game ended 1-1 after Rizespor scored a last-minute equalizer against Ankaragucu, who were on their way to victory after an early goal.
But the goal in the 97th minute of the 98-minute game ensured the game ended in a draw – with a shocking turn of violence.
According to Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, a judicial investigation has been launched “against those responsible” for the unprovoked attack.
Tunc said Ankara police had been tasked with identifying suspects.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that Koca was being treated in hospital under the supervision of security forces and that detention procedures would follow.
Yerlikaya later added: “I strongly condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler at the end of the match between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor.”
“Such incidents are unacceptable in our green fields, which are the soil of peace and friendship.” We are following this sad event.
“I wish my best wishes to our referee Halil Umut Meler, who successfully represents Turkish refereeing abroad.”
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, added that he condemned the attack and wished the referee a “quick recovery.”
Mr Erdogan added: “Sport means peace and brotherhood.” Sport is incompatible with violence. “We will never allow violence to occur in Turkish sport.”
MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor has dealt with Halil Umut Meler, who supplied Ankaragücü Kulübü Başkanı Faruk Koca with a short-term resignation price. Tedavi sonrası gözaltı islemleri gerçekleştirilecektir.
Hakemimize…
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) December 11, 2023
A linesman runs to support referee Halil Umut Meler after he was knocked to the ground by Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca
After the confrontation, Koca could be seen walking away while others tried to talk to him
A group of players, officials and security guards formed a protective group around Meler, who was left with a swollen eye shortly after the attack
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has decided to hold an extraordinary meeting following the unrest, state broadcaster TRT said.
“Turkish football was shamefully beaten this evening.” “Everyone involved in this incident will pay the price,” said TFF chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi, according to TRT.
Ankaragucu, meanwhile, apologized to football fans for the “sad incident” that occurred after the game.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, the club said: “As MKE Ankaragücü Sports Club, we are saddened by the incident that occurred this evening.”
“We apologize to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Çaykur Rizespor game at the Eryaman Stadium.”
In its own statement, Rizespor used stronger language and called for “no violence in sport.”
The team said: “We strongly condemn the adverse events following the Ankaragücü game we played today.”
“We wish the entire refereeing community, especially the match referee, Halil Umut Meler, a speedy recovery.”
Olimpiu Morutan opened the scoring in the 14th minute before things turned dramatic and hosts Ankaragucu were reduced to ten men after Ali Sowe was sent off in the second half.
Emirhan Topcu was also sent off for Rizespor in the 95th minute, but the visitors scored a last-minute equalizer through Adolfo Gaich just before the final whistle.
Koca was visibly angry after the game and is expected to be arrested by police following treatment
The shocking incident was captured and broadcast live as fans watched the Turkish Süper Lig clash
Rizespor players leave the field after the incident. The club later posted a condemnation of the attack on X, formerly Twitter
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The attack was condemned by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Askin Bak.
Bak wrote in a post on
“We don’t want to see these images on our playing fields that do not fit the spirit of sport and Turkish football.”
Meler has been a FIFA referee since 2017, reports the AFP news agency. Officials in Turkey are often criticized by club managers and presidents for their decisions – but they are rarely victims of violence.
Koca, 59, has been President of Ankaragucu since 2021. In October 2022 he received the “Fairplay Manager of the Month” award.
Turkish and Fenerbahce national soccer player Umut Nayir reacted to the unpleasant scenes on his social media account.
“A mentality that believes it is right no matter what is said or done to the referee has surrounded us,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“Together with your pressure, day after day, you have destroyed the most vulnerable factor in football.” You are transferring the burden of your mistakes onto them. Shame on you.
“I’m ashamed of the situation you’ve put us in.”
Ankaragucu is in 11th place in the Super Lig with 18 points, three places behind Rizespor with 22 points after 15 games.
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