The president of the Arbitration Council (CA) of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed solidarity with his Turkish counterpart on Wednesday, following the attack on Halil Umut Meler, by allowing Turkish referees into Portuguese competitions to ease the suspension.
“Taking into account that matches in the Turkish league have been suspended until further notice, I would like to inform you that the FPF CA, with the intention of supporting Turkish referees and ensuring the maintenance of their competitive rhythm, is available to host Turkish international to appoint referees to referee in our First League,” reads the letter sent by José Fontelas Gomes to his Turkish counterparts, which Lusa had access to today.
On Monday, Turkish international referee Halil Umut Meler was attacked by the president of Ankaragücü and people linked to that club, in which Portugal’s Pedrinho plays, with the Turkish Football Association suspending the country’s main league and remaining championships “indefinitely”.
In the same letter, Fontelas Gomes opined that this act of violence should be “condemned and rejected”, recognizing that it “does undeniable damage not only to football but also to the referees”, and admitting that this opportunity “can help ensure that they do so.” are not negatively affected by this unfortunate event.”
“Together we can work to strengthen and protect referees, and promote a safe and fair environment for everyone involved in the sport.” the Portuguese leader emphasized, recognizing that this must be a common concern: “We should all be concerned when the integrity and safety of referees, who play a crucial role in fair competition, is compromised in this way.”
The Turkish federation’s decision came shortly afterwards, after the draw with Rizespor (1-1). Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca entered the field and punched referee Umut Meler, who fell and was kicked in the face and head by members. affiliated with the same club.
While the referee was on the ground, several people, including players, assistant referees and coaches, quickly created a safety circle to prevent further aggression.
Umut Meler, 37, was taken to hospital for medical attention and spent the night in the ward due to the possibility of internal injuries, both in the brain and abdominal area.
This year, Umut Meler attended matches for Benfica and Sporting de Braga in the Champions League and also for Bosnia-Herzegovina-Portugal, in the qualifying phase for Euro2024
Source: DN
