Turkey: All football matches postponed indefinitely after president punches referee (vid)
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The Football Federation of Turkey announced the postponed indefinitely of all matches in all leagues footballafter being punched by its president Ankaraguitzuthe referee, at the end of the match with Rizesporfor the 15th matchday of the Turkish “Super League”. The president of the Ankara team, Farooq Kojaentered the field of play and threw the referee to the ground Halil Umut Melerwith a savage punch to the face.
Rizespor had drawn 1-1 in stoppage time before Koca entered the pitch and attacked Meler.
The referee’s state of health does not inspire any concern, but according to information he is in a bad psychological state.
The president of Ankaragucu was arrested and all the prescribed criminal procedures are being brought against him. He was initially taken to a hospital, as he reportedly felt unwell from the tension after the episode. Turkish media reports that six arrests have been made.
After the episode, the Board of Directors of the Football Federation of Turkey met in an emergency, late at night, and decided the postponement of all matches.
“This despicable attack was not only against Halil Umut Meller,” said TFF president, Mehmet Buyukeksi, and he spoke of an “inhuman and despicable attack” that was carried out against all the bodies of Turkish football.
“By decision of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely,” he noted.
Erdogan’s reaction
In his post on Platform X, the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned the attack and noted: “Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is not compatible with violence. We will never allow the presence of violence in Turkish sports.”
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