Turkish Super Lig ref punched by club president and kicked in horrifying scenes
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A Turkish Super Lig referee has been punched in the face and kicked on the floor by pitch invaders.
Official Halil Umut Meler was brutally assaulted after the top flight fixture between Ankaragucu and Rizepor on Monday. The match ended 1-1 after a late stoppage time equaliser, with the sides receiving a red card apiece in a heated encounter.
But the shocking attack came after the final whistle, with Meler being dropped to the floor with an unexpected punch. In disgraceful scenes, the official was also kicked in the head at least twice by others as he sought to protect himself.
A crowd of players, coaching staff and security quickly rushed over to stop the onslaught. The 37-year-old was thankfully able to get back to his feet, but he could be seen sporting a nasty black eye as he was held up.
Olimpiu Morutan had opened the scoring for Ankaragucu in the 14th minute. But the home side suffered a blow five minutes after half-time as Ali Sowe was sent off.
They looked to be on the brink of securing all three points when Rizespor's Emirhan Topcu was also given his marching orders in the 95th minute, with both teams fielding 10 players. There was a dramatic turn in the 97th minute, however, as Adolfo Gaich scored to seal a draw before violence erupted.
According to reports from Turkey, the initial attacker who struck the referee with a right hook was Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, who was furious at his side having missed out on a win.
Fans online were left disgusted at the awful spectacle as one X user tweeted: "Darkest night in Turkish Football," while another added: "That’s horrific. Club should be thrown out of the league!"
A third commented: "Solidarity to the Turkish referee and a quick recovery. These people should be strongly punished."
More to follow.
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