The president of FIFA on Tuesday described as “totally unacceptable” the attack on a soccer referee by the president of the Turkish team Ankaragücü, an incident that caused the indefinite suspension of the country’s main championships.
“These behaviors cannot have a place in football. Referees, players, fans and staff must be safe to enjoy the game. I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that safety is implemented and respected at all levels,” wrote Gianni Infantino.
On Monday, the Turkish Football Federation suspended “indefinitely” the country’s main League and the remaining championships, due to the attack on international referee Halil Umut Meler by the president and people linked to Ankaragücü, the club in which the Portuguese Pedrinho plays.
The decision of the federative body came shortly after, after the draw against Rizespor (1-1), the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, invaded the field of play and hit the referee Umut Meler, who fell and continued being kicked in the face and head by elements linked to the same club.
With the referee lying on the ground, several people, including players, assistant referees and coaches, quickly created a security circle to try to prevent further attacks.
Umut Meler, 37, was taken to the hospital to receive medical assistance and spent the night in the unit due to the possibility of suffering internal injuries, both to the brain and the abdominal region.
Speaking to a Turkish media outlet, the president of Ankaragücü said he does not remember the incident.
Meanwhile, through social networks, the president of Turkey condemned the attack on Halil Umut Meler, UEFA and FIFA referee, and promised to be tough in the fight against violence in sport.
This year, Umut Meler was present in the Benfica and Sporting de Braga matches in the Champions League and also in Bosnia-Herzegovina-Portugal, in the qualifying phase for Euro 2024.
Source: TSF
