Watch: FIFA referee beaten to pulp after controversial call involving Farouk Miya's team

Referee Halil Umut Meler getting punched|GETTY IMAGES

Watch: FIFA referee beaten to pulp after controversial call involving Farouk Miya's team

Allan Damba • 08:52 - 12.12.2023

It should be noted that Caykur Rizespor harbours Uganda Cranes and former Vipers SC attacker Faruok Miya.

Per BBC, Turkish football bosses have suspended all leagues after a referee was punched to the ground by a club president following a top-flight game on Monday.

Halil Umut Meler was struck by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, who ran on to the pitch after his team conceded a 97th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Caykur Rizespor.

Referee Halil Umut Meler after getting punched|GETTY IMAGES

"The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely," Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said in a news conference.

"This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football," he added.

Meler received several blows from others as he lay on the turf and suffered injuries, including a minor fracture.

The incident sparked chaotic scenes involving players and club officials.

Halil mut Meler with a black eye after being beaten|GETTY

Koca required treatment in hospital but "detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment", said Turkey's minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya.

Yerlikaya added that others had been arrested for their part in the incident, which he "strongly condemned".

Meler, 37, is one of Turkey's top referees and officiates international games for FIFA. He is also on Uefa's elite referee list.

The country's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, spoke out after the shocking scenes. "I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery," he said.

"Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."

Home club MKE Ankaragucu expressed regret following their president's actions, saying in a statement: "We are saddened by the incident that took place this evening.

"We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Caykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium."

Farouk Miya (L) celebrates a goal for Rizespor.

It should be noted that Caykur Rizespor harbours Uganda Cranes and former Vipers SC attacker Faruok Miya.

However, like it has been in recent matches, Miya did not make the squad that was involved in the game.

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