Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a phone call to international football referee Halil Umut Melier, expressing regret over the assault incident that occurred after a local league match on Monday. On Tuesday, the Turkish presidential communication office stated that Erdogan wished for Melier's speedy recovery, adding that he instructed the relevant ministers to take necessary actions immediately. Erdogan received updates on the referee's health condition from him and from doctors.
In a press statement, Turkish Football Federation President Mehmet Buyukekşi confirmed that the federation aims to ensure that football in Turkey continues in the right way without any issues. Ankara Gucu Club President Faruk Koca commented on the incident involving referee Halil Umut Melier, who officiated the match between his team and Çaykur Rizespor on Monday.
After the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Faruk Koca approached the referee and landed a strong punch, causing Melier to fall to the ground. Koca stated in his first remarks on the incident: "There was a lot of tension in the stadium due to the decisions made by the referee, and I was very angry about that. I tried to calm myself, but after the match, I went to the referee and wanted to spit in his face!"
He added: "When I entered the field and approached the referee, I did not punch him. I slapped him; the slap I gave to the referee was not strong enough to make him fall. He stood for 5 to 10 seconds before throwing himself on the ground." Koca continued: "Later, I learned that the referee was assaulted. The incident occurred this way; I am sorry and regret my involvement in such an incident."
Earlier, Buyukekşi announced the postponement of all matches in the country until further notice following the assault on referee Umut Melier at the end of the Ankara Gucu vs Rizespor match. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced that three suspects, including Ankara Gucu Club President Faruk Koca, have been detained following the assault on referee Umut Melier.
