Attack on referee sums up Turkey’s toxic attitude towards officials

Referee Halil Umut Meler. Domestic football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely after an 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. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

In a fit of rage Faruk Koca, the MKE Ankaragucu president, charged on to the pitch after his team conceded a last‑gasp equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Caykur Rizespor. Few could imagine what would happen next. Koca punched the referee, Halil Umut Meler, in the face.

The referee hit the floor and was kicked several times in the ensuing melee. Koca and his entourage were eventually restrained but the damage was done. Meler ended up being escorted off the pitch by his fellow match officials displaying a visibly swollen black eye. Jonjo Shelvey was among the players aghast at what they had just witnessed. But as outrageous as the incident was, I was not surprised.