In a shocking Turkish Super LIG clash, the club president punched the referee in the face.
League matches in Turkey have been stopped INDEFINITELY after a referee was hit and kicked in the head on the pitch by a club president.
The terrible occurrence occurred after Ankaragucu drew 1-1 with Rizespor on Monday night at the Eryaman Stadium in the Turkish capital of Ankara. The mayhem was sparked by an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
The referee, Halil Umut Meler, was standing with his assistants at the final whistle when he was attacked by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
Koca charged at Meler and floored him with a right punch before an unnamed individual kicked the referee in the face while he was still down.
As Koca was hustled away, players and staff from both sides formed a ring around Meler. After that, the astonished official was brought to his feet.
Following the brawl, Koca was reportedly attacked and transported to the hospital under the observation of police officials.
The heinous events have thrown Turkey’s domestic game into disarray, with the Turkish Football Federation later stating that all league matches in the country will be postponed indefinitely.
Ankaragucu led 1-0 in the 14th minute thanks to Olimpiu Morutan’s goal, but were reduced to ten men five minutes later when Ali Sowe was sent off. Emirhan Topcu of Rizespor was then sent off five minutes into extra time.
The home side appeared to be in control until Adolfo Gaich equalised in the final moments for Rizespor, who included former England, Liverpool, and Newcastle player Jonjo Shelvey.
