Turkish football leagues suspended after team president punches referee

5 months ago
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Turkish football leagues suspended after team president punches referee

A Turkish Super Lig game erupted in chaos when the match referee was punched by the president of one of the teams before being kicked as he lay on the ground. Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube â–º http://bit.ly/guardianwiressub

Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca, struck the referee, Halil Umut Meler, at the end of their home match after Rizespor scored a 97th-minute equaliser. Koca walked on to the pitch and hit the referee when the final whistle blew in the 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium. The president of Turkey's football association, Mehmet Buyukeksi, condemned the event as an "inhumane attack" and announced an indefinite suspension to matches in all Turkish leagues. Koca and two others have been arrested for "injuring a public official".

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