In a shocking turn of events in Turkish football, referee Halil Umut Meler has declared that he will never forgive MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the president physically assaulted him during a match on December 11th.
The incident unfolded after MKE Ankaragucu conceded a 97th-minute equalizer in a Super Lig clash with Caykur Rizespor, resulting in a 1-1 draw that left emotions running high. President Koca, unable to contain his frustration, stormed onto the field and directed a punch at referee Meler. This violent act left Meler with injuries, including a minor fracture, and a swollen eye, prompting a wave of outrage.
In an interview with Turkish media, Meler made his stance clear, stating firmly, “No, I did not forgive [Koca], I will not forgive.” He went on to recount the harrowing experience, saying, “The person who did this punched me, I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life. That’s why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it.”
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed that Koca and two others were arrested following the incident, and judicial control decisions were imposed on three additional suspects. Koca faced severe consequences, receiving a permanent ban from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), while Ankaragucu was fined two million lira (£54,000) and ordered to play five home games without any fans. In a statement issued through Ankaragucu, Koca expressed remorse and announced his resignation as club president, acknowledging the “grave incident” he had caused and his “great embarrassment.”
The repercussions of this incident reverberated through Turkish football, leading to the suspension of all leagues by the TFF. The top-flight eventually resumed, but not without further drama. One of the scheduled games had to be abandoned when Istanbulspor’s president withdrew his team from the pitch in protest against a refereeing decision in their match against Trabzonspor.
Meler, an experienced referee who has been officiating in the Turkish Super Lig since 2015 and has also been involved in international games for FIFA, views this incident as a pivotal moment in the world of football officiating. He emphasized the need to support referees and deter any form of provocation. Meler stated, “I think this was a milestone. No one should provoke [referees]. Everyone does their job. It is said that the problem is a lack of education. No, there is training in refereeing that is not available in corporate companies. That’s why I think referees should be encouraged. I think they are also tired of some things. We always say, pressure, pressure. Not only me, they also have a family.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by referees in the world of sports, highlighting the need for respect and restraint in the heat of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Referee Assault
What happened during the Turkish Super Lig match involving referee Halil Umut Meler and club president Faruk Koca?
During the Turkish Super Lig match, MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca physically assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded a late equalizer against Caykur Rizespor. Koca punched Meler, causing injuries, including a minor fracture.
What are the consequences for Faruk Koca following the assault?
Faruk Koca faced severe consequences for his actions. He received a permanent ban from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), and his club, Ankaragucu, was fined two million lira (£54,000). Additionally, Ankaragucu was ordered to play five home games without any fans.
How did the incident impact Turkish football?
The incident had a significant impact on Turkish football. All leagues were temporarily suspended by the TFF in the aftermath. When the top-flight resumed, one of the scheduled games had to be abandoned due to a protest by Istanbulspor’s president against a refereeing decision.
What is Halil Umut Meler’s perspective on the incident?
Referee Halil Umut Meler emphasized the need to support referees and prevent provocation. He expressed that the assault was a milestone and that referees should be encouraged and respected in their roles. Meler highlighted the pressures and challenges referees face in the world of sports.
Did Faruk Koca express any remorse for his actions?
Yes, Faruk Koca issued a statement via Ankaragucu in which he expressed remorse for his actions. He apologized for the “grave incident” he caused and stated that he felt “great embarrassment.” He also announced his resignation as club president.
More about Referee Assault
- Turkish Super Lig: Learn more about the Turkish Super Lig, where the incident took place.
- Turkish Football Federation (TFF): Visit the official website of the Turkish Football Federation to find updates on disciplinary actions and league news.
- Caykur Rizespor: Explore information about Caykur Rizespor, the opposing team in the match.
- Halil Umut Meler: Get details about Halil Umut Meler’s refereeing career and background.
- MKE Ankaragucu: Find out more about MKE Ankaragucu, the club involved in the incident.
- Faruk Koca: Learn about Faruk Koca, the club president who faced consequences for his actions.
- Istanbulspor: Discover information about Istanbulspor, the club involved in the protest against refereeing decisions.
- FIFA Refereeing: Explore FIFA’s involvement in international refereeing and development programs.
2 comments
This is bad for footbal. Refs need supprt, yep!
Hope this doesn’t happen in musc, lol!