A TURKISH referee who was punched in the face by a club president has broken his silence over the incident.
Halil Umut Meler was struck by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca in disgraceful scenes after a top-flight Super Lig match last week.
The bad-tempered game saw visitors Rizespor snatch a 1-1 draw at the death.
Hosts Ankaragucu also had two players sent off, sparking scenes of fury at the final whistle.
President Koca launched an outrageous attack on Meler, punching him in the head.
And another person kicked the ref while he was on the ground.
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Meler suffered a slight fracture to his eye after being rushed to hospital.
Koca has since resigned from his position, while all top-flight matches were postponed by the Turkish FA.
But Meler has now broken his silence on the incident, claiming he will “not forgive” Koca’s strike.
And he has also laid blame at the feet of Ankaragucu boss Emre Belozoglu, claiming the ex-Newcastle star inflamed the situation beforehand.
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Meler said: “No I do not forgive (Koca), I will not forgive.
“I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life.
“That’s why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it.
“I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it.”
Referring to Belozoglu, he said: “After blowing the whistle, the players came to thank me. Meanwhile, I saw Belozoglu’s hands and arms (waving).
“(He was involved?) Yes, that is something clearly visible.”
Ankaragucu responded to Meler’s interview, with spokesperson and board member Huseyin Aytekin saying: “Relevant referrals have been made regarding those responsible, and decisions have been rendered by the PFDK.
“Our club will exercise its right to appeal to the Arbitration Committee for PFDK decisions.
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“We, as MKE Ankaragucu Club, are disheartened to witness our technical director, Emre Belozoglu, persistently being drawn into the unfolding events.
“Our coach, Emre Belozoglu, whose name does not feature in the referee and representative reports, repeatedly expressed his regret to referee Halil Umut Meler both on the field and in the corridors.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
