Turkish football league suspended after attack on referee

(Patria) - The Turkish Football Federation has decided to suspend the domestic league indefinitely following a physical attack on the referee of the match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor.

The 15th round match of the Turkish league ended last night with a score of 1:1, and at the end of the match, riots broke out on the pitch.

The first to run onto the field was the president of the home club, Faruk Koca, followed by numerous fans, reports Hina.

The president of Ankaragucu punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face, causing him to fall to the ground, after which the 37-year-old official received several more blows, most likely from fans.

The Turkish Federation immediately called an emergency meeting after these events, at which it decided to suspend the league indefinitely, reports the French news agency AFP.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also commented on the matter.

"I condemn the attack on the football match referee. We will never allow violence to interfere in Turkish sports," Erdogan said.

The attacked referee is undergoing hospital treatment, and so far, according to Turkish media, three people have been arrested in connection with these incidents, including the president of Ankaragucu.

Meanwhile, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc also spoke out, confirming that an investigation has been launched against those responsible for the attack on referee Meler.

Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Askin Bak, as well as the President of the Turkish Football Federation Mehmet Buyukeksi, also strongly condemned the attacks on the referee. Buyukeksi also announced severe penalties for the perpetrators.

"This is a disgraceful blow to Turkish football. Everyone involved in this incident will pay the price," Buyukeksi said.