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FIFA President Gianni Infantino kicked against the attack on a Super Lig referee from a Turkish club President.
In a firm response to the recent incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned in strong terms the attack on a Turkish referee during a match in the Super Lig.
The President of the world governing body described the attack as ‘unacceptable’ and has called for immediate and stringent action to be taken against those responsible for the assault.
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15:52 - 12.12.2023
Turkish league football suspended indefinitely after club president punched referee
Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler following a controversial decision in his side's 1-1 draw with Rizespor in Turkish Super Lig on Monday night, leading to multiple arrests and all Turkish league matches being suspended indefinitely.
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08:52 - 12.12.2023
Watch: FIFA referee beaten to pulp after controversial call involving Farouk Miya's team
It should be noted that Caykur Rizespor harbours Uganda Cranes and former Vipers SC attacker Faruok Miya.
Turkish Referee Attack: What happened
The bizarre incident happened in the Super Lig clash between Ankaragucu and the newly promoted Rizespor.
According to a report by the Express, the match official, Halil Umut Meler, was punched in the face by Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca.
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Following the incident, a video of the attack made its way to social media, with Umut Meler being punched and kicked on the floor.
Once struck in the face, Meler tried to protect himself while being kicked in the face as players formed a cordon around him to protect him from further attacks as he lay helpless on the ground. Meler was later taken to the hospital.
FIFA President Reacts
Following the attack, FIFA President, Infantino, has spoken against the attack, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of the sport.
Infantino minced no words in denouncing the abuse and expressed deep concern over the safety of officials.
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“There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field,” Infantino stated in a post on his Instagram.
“Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”
Speaking further, Infantino added that officials are important in the game and should be strictly respected.
“Without match officials, there is no football,” he added. “Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and i call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
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Meanwhile, Ankaragucu president, Koca, has been detained and taken to where he is under police protection, per the Express.
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