The Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler confirms that he “will not forgive” the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, after he was punched in the face on the field shortly after the end of the Dec. 11 game.
Koca ran onto the field and attacked Meler after Ankaragücü conceded the tying goal (1-1) in the 97th minute of the Turkish Super Lig match against Rizespor.
First interview after the incident
Meler, who? suffered injuries and a small fracture, He left the hospital two days later with a swollen eye. Today, in the first interview he gave after the terrible incident, he assured the Turkish press that “no, I have not forgiven him.” [a Koca]”I can’t forgive him.”
“The person who did this punched me, I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the kicks while he was on the ground was something I will never forget for the rest of my life,” Meler admitted to Hurriyet newspaper in reference to Ankaragücü managers who kicked him.
“For this reason, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoke it. I say it specifically: I will not forgive those who provoke it or those who did it,” Meler reiterated.
The international referee, who has officiated Super Lig matches since 2015, maintains that “No one should provoke the referees, everyone does their job.”
The causes of the problem
And on the reasons for the attack suffered by Meler, he reflected: “The problem is said to be the lack of education. No, there is training in arbitration that is not available in corporate companies. So I believe that the referees should be encouraged.” I think they are also tired of some things. We always say pressure, pressure. Not only me, they also have family.”
Koca is in preventive detention along with two other people and the Turkish Football Federation has banned for life of any football-related activity. In addition, Ankaragücü was fined and had to play five home games without fans.
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.
