FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Tuesday called the attack on a Turkish football referee by the president of the top-flight club Ankaragucu “totally unacceptable.”
The Turkish football federation suspended all leagues indefinitely after referee Halil Umut Meler was punched by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after Monday’s 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor.
“There is no place for violence in football, on or off the field,” Infantino said in a statement on social media.
“Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor are unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”
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“Without match officials, there is no football,” Infantino continued.
“Referees, players, fans, and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
Images of Monday night’s incident showed Koca rushing onto the pitch with a group of men and throwing a punch at Meler after he had blown the final whistle.
A court has placed Koca and two others in pre-trial detention for “injuring and threatening a public official”.
