TURKISH referee Halil Umut Meler has appeared in public for the first time since his vicious assault at the hands of Ankaragucu’s president Faruk Koca.
Meler fell to the floor after being punched by Koca and he was then forced to protect his face as he was disgustingly kicked by another individual.
The ref was taken to hospital after suffering a fractured eye socket.
And he has now been pictured in his hospital bed in a neck brace, with Meler also suffering facial injuries including a black eye.
His fracture is expected to “heal gradually” while neurological tests found no permanent damage.
Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid a visit to Meler, who is expected to be released on Wednesday.
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The disgraceful incident took place on Monday following Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig – the country’s top-flight.
Turkish press have responded to the incident by decrying a “night of shame”.
While the Super Lig reacted by postponing all matches indefinitely.
The bad-tempered clash included two red cards with both Ankaragucu’s Ali Sowe and Rizespor Emirhan Topcu receiving their marching orders.
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Turkish Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc confirmed Koca had been arrested for “the crimes of injuring and threatening a public servant due to his public duty”.
Police have launched an enquiry into the two individuals who kicked Meler after he fell to the ground – both are said to be known to the club having purchased VIP tickets for the match.
Another Turkish referee Arda Kardeşler spoke outside of the hospital where Meler is receiving treatment where he relesed a statement on behalf of all match officials.
He said: “Everyone saw what happened last night. Our Federation and MHK stated that they will support us in every decision we make after the incident and postponment of the league.
“Our only priority right now is Halil Umut Meler’s health and reunion with his family. We stand by Halil Umut Meler.
“Then, when he regains his health, we will come together as Turkish referees and announce the decisions we will make regarding our future and career.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
