All football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely after Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca punched a referee in the face.
After seeing Ankaragucu concede a 97th-minute equaliser to Rizespor, Koca ran onto the pitch at full-time and floored referee Halil Umut Meler who was also attacked by fans before being helped to the dressing room with the help of the police.
Meler was then sent to hospital with a fracture near his eye.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has described the incident as "shameful" and vowed the strongest possible punishment.
Absolutely crazy scenes between Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor.
— Ali (@RoyMustang786) December 11, 2023
Halil Umut Meler, stood with his assistants at the final whistle, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca knocks him out!
Ironically Faruk Koca won the Turkish Super Lig' fairplay award in 2022 💀#AGvÇRS 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/GFb5HW2pOd
"The Turkish Football Federation has decided to suspend all games in all leagues indefinitely," the federation posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"The related club, the club chairman, club officials and all those guilty of attacking referee Umut Meler will be punished in the strongest terms possible."
Koca was sent to hospital as a precaution due to ongoing heart problems and then arrested, according to local reports. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya had already been confirmed the arrest of two people other unnamed people.
"Turkish football has been punched shamefully tonight. Everyone involved in this incident will pay the price," TFF Chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said, according to TRT.
Meler, 37, has been a FIFA referee since 2017.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted on X: "Sport means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."
Ankaragucu are 11th in the standings on 18 points, three places below Rizespor on 22 points after 15 matches.
