A Turkish Super Lig referee was punched to the ground by Ankaragucu's president after storming onto the pitch following his side's draw with Rizespor.
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Ankaragucu president assaults refereeOfficial punched and kicked after 1-1 drawAwful scenes in Turkish league capturedGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Referee Halil Umut Meler was knocked over by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca, after he ran onto the pitch after his team conceded a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 Super Lig draw with Rizespor on Monday. The official, who had a black eye after the attack, was punched and kicked while he was on the turf in what were ugly scenes at Eryaman Stadium.
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This is a disgraceful day in Turkey's footballing history. BeIN Sports reports the Turkey Football Federation has decided to hold an extraordinary meeting after this shocking incident. President Koca reportedly required hospital treatment in hospital but Turkey's minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, says "detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment". Swift punishments are likely to follow.
WHAT TURKEY'S PRESIDENT SAID
Turkey president Recep Erdogan said about this incident: "I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence. We will never allow violence to take place in Turkish sports."
