2023-12-12 08:15:18
The president of a Turkish first division club hit a referee.
The championship in Turkey is overshadowed by a scandal. After the 1-1 draw between Ankaragücü and Rizespor on Monday evening, wild scenes unfolded. Referee Halil Umut Meler was attacked by several people. Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragücü, was among the perpetrators. Those responsible for the national football association responded to the incident by postponing all championship games “indefinitely”.
Pictures circulating on social media show Koca attacking the referee and hitting him in the face with his fist. Meler sank to the ground and held his hands in front of his face while others involved, including players, kicked him. The crowd only dispersed when security forces intervened. Meler was escorted into the cabin. Severe swelling had developed under his left eye.
Wild scenes in Turkey. Archyde.com
The reason for Koca’s freak out was initially unclear. Maybe it was Rizespor’s late equalizer. The guests scored 1-1 in the 97th minute. According to the state news agency Anadolu, Koca and two other suspects were arrested.
Several prominent voices spoke out following the incident, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Sport means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to enter Turkish sports,” Erdogan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). (APA)
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