MADRID, 12 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Turkish Football Federation confirmed this Monday that it has “indefinitely” postponed all matches “in all leagues” in the country after the attack suffered by referee Halil Umut Meler after the match between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor.
At the end of this match in the highest category of football in Turkey, the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, jumped onto the field and hit the international referee, who after falling to the ground was also kicked several times, which damaged his face.
“We strongly condemn the inhuman and despicable attack against Halil Umut Meler. We are closely monitoring his state of health and we wish our valuable referee a speedy recovery,” the organization said in a statement on its website.
The federation described the aggression carried out by the Ankaragücü president as “vile and despicable.” “The irresponsible statements of club presidents, directors, coaches and television commentators directed at the referees have paved the way for this vile attack,” he stressed, emphasizing that “criminal proceedings” have been initiated against those responsible and that the club, its president and his directors will be “punished in the most severe manner.”