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Turkish football authorities have suspended all leagues after a referee was punched by a club president following a top-flight game on Monday.
MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca punched Halil Umut Meler, after his team conceded a 97th-minute leveler in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Caykur Rizespor.
“The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely,” Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi told a news conference.
“This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football,” he added.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino called the incident “totally unacceptable” and said that violence has “no place in our sport or society”.
“Without match officials there is no football,” he said. “Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.”
Meler sprawls helplessly on the pitch after he was initially punched
Meler has now been confirmed to have suffered a minor fracture after he was incessantly assaulted with several blows from others as he lay on the turf.
The incident sparked chaotic scenes involving players and club officials.
While not revealing their identity, Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, has now confirmed that some individuals had been arrested for their part in the incident.
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