Referee Halil Umut Meler is determined to continue officiating despite being punched by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after a Turkish top-flight match.
The incident led to the arrest of Koca, and all leagues were temporarily suspended. However, Mehmet Buyukeksi, the chief of the Turkish football federation, stated that Meler is expected to participate in Euro 2024 and emphasized that there’s “no possibility” of him quitting refereeing.
The leagues are set to resume on December 19, with postponed games rescheduled for January 10. Meler, a respected official, was released from the hospital with a swollen eye after the attack.
Chaotic scenes erupted following the incident, involving players and club officials. Mehmet Yorubulut, chief of medicine at Acibadem Hospital, reported that Meler has a swollen eye but is in “good condition.” Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that Koca and two others were arrested, with judicial control imposed on three additional suspects.
Koca, having resigned as club president, expressed regret and apologized for the “grave incident.” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saddened by the event, spoke to Meler in the hospital.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) vowed to punish Ankaragucu, its chairman, and those responsible for attacking the referee. FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the incident as “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that violence has “no place in our sport or society.”
