Turkish Football Leagues Suspended Indefinitely After Club President Attacks Referee, Sparking Outrage, Turkey

All Turkish football leagues have been suspended indefinitely following an attack by a club president on a referee, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced in the early hours of Dec. 12. Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face at the end of a Süper Lig home match against Rizespor. Koca entered the field and hit Meler when Rizespor scored a 97th minute equalizer in the 1-1 draw. Two other individuals accompanying Koca kicked Meler after he was knocked down by the punch. Meler is currently under observation in the hospital and is expected to be discharged soon. A detention order has been issued for Koca, and two others have already been detained as part of the judicial investigation into the incident. The TFF President, Mehmet Büyükekşi, expressed his disappointment and stated that the attack was a night of shame for Turkish football. He vowed to take strict action against those responsible. Büyükekşi also criticized anyone who encourages violence against referees, stating that they are also complicit in this despicable act. The incident drew condemnation from the football community, as well as state officials and politicians. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that sports should be a symbol of peace and brotherhood, while the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) called for stronger measures to combat violence in sports. The suspension of all Turkish football leagues reflects the seriousness of the incident and signals a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of the game.