Turkish Football Federation president Mehmet Buyukeksi has suspended all football in the countryCredit: Getty
TURKISH football has been SUSPENDED indefinitely after tonight’s shocking attack on a referee by a club president.
The disgraceful incident took place following Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig – the country’s top-flight.
Meler is one of Europe’s top referees and officiates internationally for FifaCredit: Reuters
The Turkish Football Federation instantly held an extraordinary meeting after the vile scene and they have now announced that all football within the country had been suspended indefinitely.
Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said: “The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
Ankara Police Department were tasked with identifying suspects for the attack and Turkish outlet Hurriyet have reported that Koca, 59, will be arrested.
Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, said Koca had also required hospital treatment but “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment”.
He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022.
As the shock footage went viral online, Fenerbahce’s Turkish international star Umut Nayir slammed the disgusting scenes and took aim at a wider issue.
Writing on social media, he said: “A mentality that considers itself to be right no matter what is said or done to the referee has surrounded us.
“You destroyed the most vulnerable factor in football with your pressure, day by day, together. You put the burden of your failures on them. Shame on you.