Referee punched in face by club president in shocking incident in Turkey

talksport.com, 11 December 2023, 21:40

Chaos swept a Turkish Super Lig clash as the referee got punched in the face by the president of one of the clubs, as well as being kicked in the face while on the ground.

The shocking incident unfolded after Ankaragucu drew 1-1 with Rizespor at the Eryaman Stadium, which is located in the Turkish capital Ankara; an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time triggering the mayhem.

Halil Umut Meler, who took charge of the game, stood with his assistants at the final whistle when he was attacked by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.

Koca ran towards Meler, flooring him with a right hook before an unidentified individual then kicked the referee's face while he was still down.

A cordon around Meler was formed by players and staff from both sides as Koca was herded away. The stunned official was then helped to his feet.

Ankaragucu were 1-0 up through Olimpiu Morutan's goal in the 14th minute, but were reduced to ten men five minutes into the second half when Ali Sowe was given a red card. Rizespor's Emirhan Topcu was then sent off five minutes into time added on.

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It looked like the home side were going to hold on to their lead until Adolfo Gaich levelled in the dying moments for Rizespor, who featured former England, Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

It's reported that Koca was subsequently attacked after sparking the brawl.

The Turkish interior minister, Suleyman Soylu, is quoted saying by the Daily Telegraph: "Faruk Koca is being treated in the hospital under the supervision of our police forces.

"After the treatment, detention procedures will be carried out."

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