FIFA speaks out after ref viciously attacked by club chief

FIFA has now spoken out on the horrific scenes that played out on Monday night, when a referee was punched by a club president and then kicked in the head at the end of a European top-flight match.

On Monday night, chaos erupted at the end of the Turkish Super Lig match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor after the final whistle was blown, with Ankaragucu's president Faruk Koca marching on to the pitch with the intention of taking a vicious swing at match official Halil Umut Meler. 

Read: Player escapes death after being stabbed by referee 

The game itself ended all-square at 1-1 after Argentine forward Adolfo Gaich scored a late, stoppage-time equaliser to help Rizespor salvage a point after trailing from the 14th minute of the match. 

Shortly after that equaliser, however, Koca bombarded his way on to the field and punched the referee in the face, forcing the match official to fall to the ground where he was then kicked in the head by another person before being swarmed by bodies trying to protect him. 

Meler, with the assistance of police, eventually managed to make his way to the dressing room, but was said to have been in need of medical attention following the assault.

Koca, meanwhile, was detained by police in Ankara along with another assailant, according to the Mirror. 

Here is the incident – WARNING: Graphic scenes displayed

As a result of the violent scenes, all Super Lig matches have postponed indefinitely.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF), in a statement, condemned the incident, describing the attack as "inhumane" and stating that those responsible would be punished "in a severe way".

"We strongly condemn the inhumane and despicable attack carried out by self-aware criminals against the FIFA licensed referee of the match, Halil Umut Meler," the TFF's statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) read.

"Today, this vile attack was not only made against Halil Umut Meler. Today, this inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish football.

"Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime. The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.

"Anyone who constantly brings up some events that happened years ago as if they happened today is responsible for this ugliness. 

"In co-ordination with our State, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.

"The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way."

Read: OFFICIAL: CAF announce 2023 Men's Player of the Year

On Tuesday afternoon, FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the shocking event too.

"There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field," a statement from the executive read, according to FIFAMedia. 

"Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society. Without match officials there is no football.

"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."

Read: OFFICIAL: CAF announce 2023 Men's Player of the Year

Meler has since been spotted in hospital wearing a neck brace, with the Daily Mail reporting that "the bleeding in his left eye has started to decrease and the cheek fracture he sustained will 'gradually heal'. They also said there is no permanent damage following further facial and neurological tests."

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