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Turkish Football Association has suspended all league matches indefinitely after a club president punched a referee at the end of a Super Lig match on Monday night.
Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, ran onto the pitch after their top-flight game against Rizespor and struck official Halil Umut Meler.
According to Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, a Turkish court ordered Koca’s arrest on Tuesday and remanded two other suspects in custody in connection with the violence.
Tunc stated that Koca and two others were formally arrested for “injuring a public official” after prosecutors obtained their statements.
“The investigation is continuing meticulously,” Tunc said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Three additional suspects were placed under judicial supervision.
Koca’s team had conceded an equalizer in the 97th minute, ensuring Rizespor would remain four points ahead of their hosts following the 1-1 draw.
After the game, Ankaragucu fans invaded the pitch, and Meler was kicked when he fell, though it was unclear who his assailants were. Meler was eventually escorted to the dressing room by police.
Turkish football leagues have been suspended indefinitely after Ankaragucu president punched the referee
The Turkish Football Federation condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on the official in a statement issued several hours after full-time.
“We are closely monitoring Halil Umut Meler’s medical condition and wish him a speedy recovery.”
“This inhumane and despicable attack was launched against all Turkish Football stakeholders.” Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged referee crimes is complicit in this heinous crime.
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches, and TV commentators targeting referees set the stage for today’s heinous attack.”
“All criminal proceedings deserved against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack have been initiated in coordination with our state.”
“The responsible club, the club president, its managers, and all criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will face the harshest punishment.”
“By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
“There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said of the attacks. The events that occurred after the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and aykur Rizespor are completely unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.
“There is no football without match officials.” To enjoy the game, referees, players, fans, and staff must be safe and secure, and I urge the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
Following the incident, Turkey’s football federation (TFF) has decided to hold an extraordinary meeting, according to the country’s public broadcaster TRT.
