Referee Faces Brutal Attack Following Turkish Super Lig Clash
The reprehensible assault on match referee Halil Umut Meler subsequent to the Turkish Super Lig clash between Ankaragucu and Rizespor has elicited shock and condemnation. Following the conclusion of the match, Meler endured a physical assault involving a punch to the face and subsequent kicks while prone on the ground. The assailant, allegedly Ankaragucu’s president Faruk Koca, delivered a vile attack on the official, resulting in Meler suffering a significant black eye.
The Turkish Super Lig has been SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY after referee Halil Umut Meler was physically assaulted by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. 😳 pic.twitter.com/rf9lUqhx2X
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 12, 2023
Security personnel guarded Meler as he eventually rose to his feet. A video circulating on social media purportedly shows Meler being transported to a local hospital. In response to this appalling incident, a judicial investigation has been initiated “against those responsible,” as stated by Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc. The Ankara Police Department has been tasked with identifying suspects. Turkey’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, expressed his concern, stating, “We are following this sad incident.”
The Turkish Super Lig match on Monday between Ankaragucu and Rizespor concluded with a 1-1 draw. Olimpiu Morutan opened the scoring for Ankaragucu in the 14th minute, while Rizespor equalized deep into stoppage time with a goal from Adolfo Gaich. The game also witnessed red cards for Ankaragucu’s Ali Sowe and Rizespor’s Emirhan Topcu.
