The Turkish Football Federation has decided to suspend the matches in all divisions for an indefinite period of time because of the attack on the referee Halil Umut Meler. This is informed by the press service of the TFF.
This vile attack was not only made against Halil Umut Meler. Today, this inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish football. By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.
TFF statement
It is noted that legal action has been initiated against the instigators of the attack. Recall, on December 11 Ankaragucu drew with Rizespor (1:1) in the 15th round of the Turkish championship in Ankara. After the match ended, the president of the host club, Faruk Koca, came onto the pitch and punched head referee Meler in the face. After the referee fell to the lawn, others began kicking him. Meler was hospitalized after medical treatment.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Erdogan strongly condemned the attack on the referee, saying violence and sport are incompatible.