Domestic football in Turkey suspended after ‘shameful’ attack on referee

Halil Umut Meler was attacked on Monday. Pic: Abdurrahman Antakyali/AP

Domestic football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely after a “shameful” and “inhumane” attack on one of the country’s top referees, who was punched to the ground by a club president following a Super Lig match on Monday.

Halil Umut Meler was approached on the pitch and hit by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, sparking chaotic scenes as players and officials joined the melee or tried to intervene. It has since been confirmed that he has suffered a broken bone as a result of the attack.