Match referee Halil Umut Meler was assaulted following the Turkish Super Lig clash between Ankaragucu vs. Rizespor in shocking scenes.
After the conclusion of the match, Meler was punched in the face then kicked whilst stricken on the floor in a vile attack on the official.
He was floored from the punch, with another person kicking him in the head as he looked to protect his face.
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Meler eventually rose to his feet as he was guarded by security. He suffered a nasty black eye following the strikes.
It's been claimed that the inexplicable came from Ankaragucu's president Faruk Koca, who has been club president since 2021.
A video on social media also appears to show Meler being transported to a local hospital.
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A judicial investigation has been launched 'against those responsible' for the abhorrent scenes, according to Turkey's Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc.
He said the Ankara Police Department were tasked with identifying suspects.
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Turkey's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, added: "We are following this sad incident."
Monday's league meeting between Ankaragucu vs. Rizespor ended 1-1.
Olimpiu Morutan opened the scoring as he gave Ankaragucu the lead in the 14th minute. Rizespor levelled deep, deep into stoppage time when Adolfo Gaich netted.
Ankaragucu's Ali Sowe and Rizespor Emirhan Topcu were both sent off during the game.
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Topics: Turkey, Turkish Super Lig
Nasir Jabbar