The Turkish referee is released on wednesday from the hospital where he was treated for a facial fracture suffered after being punched by the president of a Turkish first division football club.
The attack led to Turkish Football Federation to suspend all league matches. The president of MKE Ankaragucu, Faruk Kocaattacked Halil Umut Meler on the field after the final whistle of a 1-1 draw in a Super Lig home match against Caykur Rizespor on Monday. The referee, who fell to the ground, was also kicked in a brawl that broke out when fans stormed the field after Rizespor scored the tying goal in the last minute.
coke and two other people were placed in preventive detention, accused of causing harm to a public official. The football federation is scheduled to hold a meeting later on Wednesday to decide on the possible resumption of league matches in Turkeywhich was selected to host the European Cup of 2032 along with Italy.
Melerwho was treated for a fracture near the eye, left the Acibadem Hospital from Ankara and raised his hand to greet the gathered media before getting into a car. The state agency Anatolia reported that Meler He will travel to his home in Izmir, western Turkey, escorted by police for his protection. The hospital’s chief doctor, Mehmet Yorubulut, told reporters that the referee was in high spirits. “You have no problem other than eye swellingYorubulut stated, adding that the fracture will heal with time.
Apparently, coke He told prosecutors during interrogation that he just slapped him Meler, accusing the referee of “wrong decisions” and provocative actions. He later announced his resignation. “I apologize to the Turkish refereeing and sports community, to the Turkish people and especially to Mr. Meler and his family for the attitude I showed to Halil Umut Meler“he announced in a statement read by his lawyer late Tuesday.
The media quoted Meler as telling prosecutors that the club president shouted “i will kill you“during the attack and also threatened to”finish” with all match referees on the field.
Football violence is common in Türkiye despite efforts to suppress it, although direct attacks on high-level referees are rare.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
