Turkish Football Federation announced consequences

In a shocking incident that reverberated globally, the Turkish football scene was marred by the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler during a match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor. The president of Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, physically attacked the referee, prompting the suspension of the Turkish championship. Pierluigi Collina, the president of the FIFA Referees Committee, expressed his dismay, stating, “Horrible scenes from Turkey. It is a responsibility for all those who love this wonderful game to take action and do something.”

Collina emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing the images as “horrible” and condemning the thousands of physical and verbal attacks suffered by referees worldwide. He vouched for Meler’s character, citing personal encounters during the Under 20 World Cup in Argentina, and asserted that neither the referee nor the man deserved such an ordeal.

The assault led to a strong response from the Turkish Football Federation, with Faruk Koca receiving a lifetime ban. In addition, Ankaragucu was fined €63,000, and they will play their next five home games without spectators. The disciplinary actions were attributed to the “incidents caused on the field by club members and fans.”

The Turkish Football Federation’s announcement highlighted the severity of the punishment, including financial penalties and warnings for other club officials. Koca, who resigned on Tuesday evening, received a five-year ban, with the potential for a permanent ban if the suspension extends beyond three years, in accordance with federation rules.

The incident prompted the suspension of all league games until December 19 as a reaction to the attack. The repercussions extended beyond Turkey, evoking widespread condemnation. Notable figures like former referee Pierluigi Collina, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and even Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed strong disapproval of the assault. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by referees globally, both in top-tier leagues and lower divisions, where incidents often go unreported in the media.