Turkish Football Leagues in Chaos as Club President Assaults Referee

The Turkish Football Federation has suspended all matches in Turkish football leagues indefinitely after the president of Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, punched referee Halil Umut Meler following their Super Lig match against Rizespor. The attack occurred after Ankaragucu conceded a late equalizer, and fans also invaded the pitch, kicking the referee. The federation condemned the attack and initiated criminal proceedings against those responsible. Turkish President Recep Erdogan also condemned the violence, and a detention order has been issued for Koca. Referees in Turkey are often criticized but rarely targeted with violent attacks.