Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanolgu was ‘shocked’ to see Ankaragucu’s President Faruk Koca hit referee Halil Umut Meler, while Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella condemns ‘the brutal attack.’
The incident occurred on Monday night after a Turkish league meeting between Ankaragucu and Rizespor. The visitors scored a later equaliser and President Faruk Koca completely lost his cool after the final whistle, punching the referee in his face.
“I’m still in shock from what I saw. I condemn the attack on Mr. Halil Umut Meler. Such events appear as a blow not only to a referee but also to the foundations of humanity,” Calhanoglu, a Turkey international and Inter star, wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“This mindset, devoid of empathy, has harmed not only sports but also all human values. It is heartbreaking to be in danger of forgetting our memories full of the beauties of sports and our hopes for the future because of such events.
“I hope we wake up to a tomorrow where we will never face such a situation again. Get well soon, sir.”
The Turkis League has been suspended following the incident.
Turkish referee Umut Meler had recently taken charge of Lazio‘s Champions League game against Celtic in the Champions League, won 2-0 by the Biancocelesti at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Turkey coach Montella also commented on the incident through his official Instagram account.
“I vehemently condemn the brutal attack carried out against our FIFA referee Halil Umut Meler at the end of yesterday evening’s Super League match,” wrote the former striker.
“Hoping that those scenes which I watched in sadness would never happen again, I would like to emphasise that violence has no place in sports. Wishing Meler a speedy recovery, I would like to express that we stand by the side of our referees in this incident.”
Montella was appointed by the Turkish federation this past September and has won three of his four games in charge including a 3-2 win over Germany in Berlin in November.