Disgraceful scenes as Turkish club president punches referee in sickening assault

A Turkish referee was punched by a club president before being kicked by another person after collapsing to the ground in a sickening attack in Turkey’s Super Lig.

11th-placed Ankaragucu drew 1-1 with Rizespor in a heated clash, with the hosts taking the lead in the 14th minute. Referee Halil Umut Meler then controversially sent off an Ankaragucu player in the second half for accumulating two yellow cads, the latter for a relatively innocuous incident.

Rizespor received a 95th-minute red card, only to stun the home side with a 97th minute equaliser.

When the full time whistle blew, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca charged onto the pitch and punched Halil Umut Meler in the face.

As the referee hit the turf, another person – who appeared to be a club official – kicked him in the head.

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Players and staff from both teams rushed to protect the referee while Koca was led away.

Koca was also reportedly attacked after sparking the brawl.

Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya said: “Faruk Koca is being treated in the hospital under the supervision of our police forces. After the treatment, detention procedures will be carried out.”

According to reports from Turkey, the league’s referees responded by promising to boycott all Super Lig matches until urgent changes are made.

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