Turkish Soccer Club President Resigns: The president of Ankaragücü, a prominent Turkish soccer club, announced his resignation a day after a shocking incident where he physically assaulted FIFA-licensed referee Halil Umut Meler. The altercation occurred following Ankaragücü’s match against Rizespor on Monday night, resulting in widespread condemnation and the indefinite postponement of matches in all Turkish leagues.
Referee Halil Umut Meler revealed that not only did Faruk Koca, the Ankaragücü president, punch him in the face, but he also issued threats, stating, “I will finish you” and “I will kill you.” Meler suffered a swollen left eye and was kicked by two others after falling to the ground.
The Turkish Minister of Justice, Y?lmaz Tunç, confirmed the arrest of the three individuals involved in the attack on the referee. Koca refuted the claims, insisting he had only slapped Meler in the face, attributing the incident to the referee’s alleged wrong decisions and provocative behavior.
The Turkish Football Federation condemned the incident, pleaded for Meler’s health, and filed criminal charges. FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the violence and stressed the importance for player, official, and fan safety.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an condemned the attack, emphasizing the incompatibility of sports with violence. Ankaragücü issued an apology to the football community, expressing sadness over the incident. Rizespor also condemned the events and wished a speedy recovery to referee Halil Umut Meler.
The incident underscores growing concerns about violence in Turkish football, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of the sport’s state in the country. As the investigation unfolds, the broader football community reflects on the need to prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders over victories and championships.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why was Istanbulspor vs Trabzonspor Cancelled?
The much-awaited Turkish football match between Istanbulspor and Trabzonspor was suspended due to a protest by Istanbulspor players. The players left the field in protest after the referee failed to call a penalty during the game. This incident has caused a stir in the football community, and fans are eagerly waiting for updates on the situation. It remains to be seen how the authorities will handle this situation and what the outcome will be for both teams.
Why is Turkish League postponed?
Following a period of violence, the Turkish league was temporarily suspended. However, upon its resumption, Istanbulspor made a bold statement by walking off the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision during a Super Lig game against Trabzonspor. This resulted in the game being abandoned. Our commitment to the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles remains unwavering.