All football leagues in Turkey have been suspended by the Turkish football authorities following an incident where a referee was assaulted by a club president. Halil Umut Meler, a prominent referee, was punched to the ground by Faruk Koca, the president of MKE Ankaragucu, after his team conceded a late equalizer in a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor. Turkish FA chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi announced the indefinite postponement of all matches in a press conference, describing the attack as a disgraceful moment for Turkish football. Meler suffered injuries, including a minor fracture, as he was attacked by others while lying on the ground. The incident led to chaotic scenes involving players and club officials. Koca, who required medical treatment, will face detention procedures after receiving treatment. Turkey's minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, strongly condemned the incident and confirmed that arrests had been made. Meler, who officiates international games for Fifa and is on Uefa's elite referee list, also received hospital treatment. The chief physician stated that there is currently no life-threatening condition, but Meler will be monitored for head trauma and discharged after further examinations in the morning.
