VIDEO: Turkish Super Lig Ref Punched In The Face By Club President 

The president of Ankaragucu stormed onto the pitch after his team’s draw with Rizespor, punching a Turkish Super Lig referee to the ground.

Referee Halil Umut Meler was knocked over by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, after he ran onto the pitch after his team conceded a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Rizespor on Monday. The official, who had a black eye after the attack, was punched and kicked while he was on the turf in what were ugly scenes at Eryaman Stadium.

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This is a shameful day in the history of Turkish football. The Turkey Football Federation has reportedly decided to call an extraordinary meeting in response to this tragic incident, according to BeIN Sports. President Koca reportedly required hospital treatment in hospital but Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, says “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment”. Swift punishments are likely to follow.

Ankaragücü Başkanı Faruk Koca'nın Halil Umut Meler'e saldırdığı anlar. pic.twitter.com/6zUELDZsVN

— BurakSakinOl (@buraktut_) December 11, 2023

Turkey president Recep Erdogan said about this incident: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports.”

Meler, a 37-year-old Turkish referee, is on UEFA’s elite official list and officiates international matches for FIFA. President Roca will probably be punished shortly.