Süper Lig indefinitely suspended after referee assault: Turkish Football faces crisis
The Süper Lig, Turkey’s top-tier football league, has been suspended indefinitely following the violent assault on FIFA referee Halil Umut Meler. The Turkish Football Federation issued a statement condemning the “inhumane and barbaric” attack, indicating that all league matches are postponed until further notice. The assault occurred after the match between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor ended in a 1-1 draw.
The federation expressed strong condemnation not only for the attack on Halil Umut Meler but also for what they deemed an assault against all stakeholders in Turkish football.
Blaming those who have targeted referees in the past and encouraged offenses against them, the federation asserted that the incident was a culmination of irresponsible statements from club presidents, managers, technical directors, and TV commentators.
In response, legal proceedings have been initiated against the perpetrators and instigators of the attack, with severe penalties promised for the club responsible, its president, leaders, and all criminals involved.
The decision to indefinitely postpone matches across all leagues was made by the Turkish Football Federation board.
Earlier, Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca physically assaulted Halil Umut Meler with a punch to the face after the game. Koca later claimed to have no recollection of the incident, stating that he felt his brain had gone mad, and he had lost his vision.
The Turkish Minister of the Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, confirmed that the referee is being treated for a facial fracture under police supervision.
Two individuals, including President Faruk Koca, have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
