Categories: SPORTS

FIFA Condemns ‘Totally Unacceptable’ Turkish Referee Attack

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.”

“Without match officials, there is no football,” Infantino continued.

Sponsored

“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”.

 

SPONSORED
Nobert Okechukwu

Recent Posts

EU Aims To Attract Private Sector Investment Into Nigeria’s Digital Future

In Lagos, the European Union (EU) has met with representatives of the private sector in…

3 minutes ago

Feyenoord Appoints Robin Van Persie As New Head Coach

Robin van Persie, a former Netherlands international and Feyenoord legend, has reportedly been appointed as…

14 minutes ago

Obi Urges Acknowledgment Of True Election Winners From The Past

After Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), the former military president of Nigeria, acknowledged that the late…

25 minutes ago

Cattle Herders Blaze N27m Cassava Farm In Ogun, Leaving Farmers Devastated

The Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday that it has opened an investigation into…

51 minutes ago

NNPCL Withholds N13.7tn From Federation Account, Raising Concerns

The Federation account has not received N13.763 trillion in revenue from the Nigerian National Petroleum…

1 hour ago

Umahi Proposes Concrete Roads As Permanent Fix For East-West Road Flooding

Senator David Umahi, the Works Minister, expressed satisfaction with the federal government's remedial work at…

1 hour ago