Violent Attack on Turkish Referee Shakes Football Federation
The president of Turkish soccer club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, punched referee Halil Umut Meler after a game, prompting the Turkish Football Federation to indefinitely postpone matches nationwide. Video footage showed Meler being attacked by fans and officials on the pitch, resulting in minor injuries. The attack was condemned by the Turkish Football Federation, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the country's Justice Minister. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear, but two individuals have been detained. Both Meler and Koca were taken to the hospital, and the club apologized for the president's actions.