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      Who is Halil Umut Meler? Meet the Turkish referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      TURKISH League referee Halil Umut Meler is officiating at the 2024 UEFA Euros.Here is everything you need to know about the football referee.Referee Halil Umut Meler was hit by Faruk Koca on Monday, December 11Credit: REUTERS/Alberto LingriaWho is Halil Umut Meler?Halil Umut Meler is a Turkish football referee.Meler was born on August 1, 1986 in Izmir, Turkey.Together with his wife, he has one child, born in 2023.He has been listed with FIFA since 2017 and in 2022 became a member of the UEFA Elite.READ MORE ON MELERWhat happened to Halil Umut Meler?In December 2023 referee Meler was punched by Faruk Koca.Meler was confronted by Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, shortly after Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Monday, December 11.Footage shows Koca swinging and hitting the unsuspecting official after invading the pitch at full-time.After being struck, Meler fell to the floor and was then, horrifically, kicked by another person while protecting his face.Most read in Euro 2024This person has remained unidentified.Meler was then helped to his feet by a group of players, coaching staff and security who had raced to the scene. He was taken away to the changing rooms to safety.A huge black eye was already visible as he made his way off the pitch after the incident.Various media outlets have reported that he went to hospital for treatment for his injuries.All Turkish matches in all leagues were indefinitely suspended as a result of the violence.Horror moment referee is floored by punch from CLUB PRESIDENT who gets arrested – as Turkey postpones all footballThe Turkish Football Federation said it condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on Meler.In a statement released a number of hours after the incident, the federation said: “We are following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.”This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.”The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.”In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.”The responsible club, the club president, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.”By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”FIFA President Gianni Infantino released his own statement, saying: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field. “Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Çaykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.”Who is Faruk Koca?Koca is a Turkish politician , businessman and sports manager.He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. Shortly after the incident, Turkish outlet Hurriyet reported that Koca would be detained for hitting Meler.The following day, December 12, Sky Sports reported that a Turkish court had ordered the arrest of Koca.Two other suspects were also reportedly remanded in custody over the violence.Turkey’s justice minister Yilmaz Tunc then revealed on social media that Koca and two others had been formally arrested for “injuring a public official” after giving statements to prosecutors.Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tunc added: “The investigation is continuing meticulously”.Has Halil Umut Meler officiated at major tournaments before?Meler has officiated major tournaments before, such as:In April 2024 he was selected to officiate at the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.What else has Halil Umut Meler done before?Meler officated 171 matches for the Turkish League from the 2015/16 season to the 2023/24 season.He refereed 49 matches for major tournaments in Europe.Has Halil Umut Meler used VAR before?Halil Umut Meler has used VAR before.VAR was introduced in the 2018/19 season in the Turkish League, where Meler is refereeing.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn April 2024 the Turkish Super Lig announced that they appoint foreign assistant referees for important matches until the end of the season after there were claims of bias.Officials are from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Who is Ivan Kruzliak? Meet the Slovakian referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      IVAN Kruzliak is a top referee who usually plies his trade in the Slovakian top division.He has been selected to officiate at Euro 2024 — here’s everything you need to know about him.Throughout his officiating career Ivan Kruzliak averages 0.27 red cards per gameCredit: PAWho is Ivan Kruzliak?Ivan Kruzliak was born in Bratislava, Slovakia on March 24, 1984.Although he started refereeing in 2005 in his early twenties, Kruzliak didn’t become a Fifa official until 20011.He made his first league appearance on August 15, 2009 when he took charge of the Slovak top tier clash between Spartak Trnava and MFK Košice, with Spartak eventually coming out on top with a scoreline of 5-4.During his debut Kruzliak handed out five yellow cards, which is in-keeping with his average throughout his career of 4.75 yellow cards per game.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also averages 0.27 red cards and 0.2 penalties every match.Has Ivan Kruzliak officiated at major tournaments before?Although Kruzliak is 40, he has not yet refereed the finals of a major international tournament before.That said, he has experience officiating World Cup qualifiers, having looked after seven matches between 2012 and 2021 — including England’s 4-0 victory over Moldova in September 2013.Kruzliak has also taken charge of 16 Champions League matches from 2017 to 2023, all of them in the group stage.Most read in Euro 2024What else has Ivan Kruzliak done before?Kruzliak dished out a whopping seven yellow cards to Celtic in their Europa League intermediate stage second leg tie with Inter Milan at the San Siro — two of which were given to Virgil Van Dyke, who was sent off for two bookable offences. The Hoops were slapped with disciplinary action following the game in February 2015 because the team received more than five yellow cards.Then Celtic manager Ronny Delia slaughtered the ref’s display in his post-match comments, with attacking midfielder Kris Commons caught berating him on camera.In August 2017, Krusliak took charge of the Europa League game between Everton and Hajduk Split, which descended into scenes of chaos.He had to lead both sets of players into the Goodison Park dugouts after chaos broke out among the travelling Croatian support in the 32nd minute.Seats were torn out, missiles were launched at home fans and onto the pitch, and shocking footage showed one yob swinging a punch at a Goodison Park steward.The unruly travelling support also kicked down advertising boards and some streamed on to the field.Gareth Southgate reveals axed England star who could STILL play in Euro 2024 and face Iceland at WembleyHas Ivan Kruzliak used VAR before?VAR was introduced into the Slovak first division for the 2021-22 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis came a few years after the technology was incorporated into the Premier League for the 2018-19 season.Kruzlaik has reffed 41 games in the league since then, so he will know how to handle any VAR decisions during Euro 2024.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Who is Marco Guida? Meet the Italian referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      MARCO Guida is an elite level referee who usually plies his trade in Serie A.He has been selected to officiate at Euro 2024 — here’s everything you need to know about the Italian.Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game in his career so farCredit: GettyWho is Marco Guida?Marco Guida was born in Pompeii on June 7, 1981, and currently lives in Torre Annunziata, located on the gulf of Naples. Although he started refereeing in 1996 as a teenager, he didn’t become a Fifa official until 2014.He made his first league appearance on January 31, 2010 when he took charge of the Serie A clash between Chevio and Bologna, which ended in a 1-1 draw.During his debut, he only handed out one yellow card, while throughout his career so far Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also averages 0.24 red cards and 0.33 penalties every match.Has Marco Guida officiated at major tournaments before?Although Guida is 42, yet he has never refereed at a major international tournament.Despite this, he has impressed Uefa enough to be selected for Euro 2024 this summer.However, Guida was at the helm for two international friendlies last year — Slovenia v Northern Ireland and Austria v Sweden.Most read in Euro 2024England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement He has also taken charge of five Champions League matches, the biggest of which being the quarter-final between Atletico and Dortmund on April 10, 2024, which the Spanish giants won 2-1.What else has Marco Guida done before?Aston Villa fans might not be too happy to hear that Guida has been selected to referee at Euro 2024.The Italian refereed the first leg of Villa’s 6-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final on May 2, 2024.A number of Villains supporters took to social media after the match to complain about Guida disallowing Leon Bailey’s first half goal — a decision held up by VAR.One posted: “Crazy, how was that ruled out?!”While another wrote: “Why didn’t VAR take a proper look at that?”And a third said: “Absolutely no idea why that’s been disallowed.”Has Marco Guida used VAR before?VAR was introduced into Serie A during the 2017-18 season — a year earlier than it was incorporated into the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESOut of his 200 appearances in Italy’s top league, 80 have been since VAR’s introduction.So it’s fair to say that Guida is somewhat of a veteran of the technology.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

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      Who is Daniele Orsato? Meet Euro 2024 referee

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      REFEREE Daniele Orsato is set to hang up his whistle at the end of Euro 2024.The vastly experienced referee, 48, took charge of his final Serie A match last month, receiving a standing ovation from Atalanta and Fiorentina fans – he also broke down in tears after his final Champions League game. Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced referees but will retire after Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Daniele Orsato?The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010, officiating 290 games before retiring.Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final and multiple semi-finals.Most read in sport He faced huge criticism from Croatian legend Luka Modric in the last World Cup.The Real Madrid star branded Orsata as “one of the worst” and said his performance was a “disaster” as Argentina beat Croatia in the sem-final.Modric said: “Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done.”‘I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.”Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.” More

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      Who is Michael Oliver? Premier League referee officiating at Euro 2024

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      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver is one of the English game’s most experienced officials.And he’ll be the man in the middle throughout Euro 2024 as one of the top refs in the game.English referee Michael Oliver will be in the middle at Euro 2024Who is Michael Oliver?Born in Ashington, Northumberland, , on February 20, 1985, Michael Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.By 2007 he had become the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest-ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.READ MORE ON MICHAEL OLIVERHe is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League having taken charge of 372 matches in the top flight.He was used as an official in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and has officiated over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.Oliver was also in charge for the 2018 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United – which was notable for the absence of Prince William who was attending the wedding of his brother Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.He officiated again in the 2021 final in which Leicester defeated Chelsea.Most read in Euro 2020He has also taken charge of matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.In 2023 he officiated the game between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for a reported £3,000.Italy football legend Marcello Lippi sympathises for Gianluigi Buffon after being sent off in final ever Champions League match by Michael Oliver In the 2023/2024 season, the referee came under huge scrutiny after failing to award Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw with Man City at Anfield.He made headlines again in April 2024 over a penalty decision during a London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.In 2024, it was revealed he was one of the main referees at the Euros in Germany.His assistants have been named as Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

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      Mark Clattenburg admits Nottingham Forest role was not a success after humiliating ‘Luton fan’ VAR row

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      MARK CLATTENBURG claims he quit his consultancy role at Nottingham Forest because he was causing more controversy and confusion than was healthy for the club.The former Premier League referee was handed his ground-breaking job by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis in February.Mark Clattenburg has opened up on his time as a refereeing consultant at Nottingham ForestCredit: PABut he stepped down three months later in the wake of the club’s furious statement on X claiming they had “warned,” the PGMOL that VAR Stuart Attwell supported relegation rivals Luton, after they were denied three penalties against Everton.Asked whether his role had been a success, Clattenburg, 49, told BBC Radio Five Live: “No, because if you look it caused more problems than it did good.”There were certain things that we implemented within the club, certain ways to give a sporting edge to Nottingham Forest, but there seemed to be a huge outcry from certain people, certain bodies, certain companies.”It was just highlighted week in, week out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClattenburg claims there was a “misinterpretation,” of his role at the City Ground and that his remit was wider than simply advising the club on refereeing.He found himself embroiled in two major controversies.He spoke out publicly in March after referee Paul Tierney wrongly handed possession back to Liverpool following an injury to Ibrahima Konate, when Forest had the ball in the attacking third of the pitch.Liverpool surged down to the other end of the pitch and Darwin Nunez struck a 99th minute winner to Forest’s fury.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      He followed that up by publicly slamming the officiating during Forest’s defeat at Everton in April, when the visitor’s were denied three strong penalty claims.He fell on his sword shortly afterwards, claiming he had become: “more of a hindrance than a help,” to Forest.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk More

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      Worrying new footage shows moment Deontay Wilder gets brutally KO’d by Zhilei Zhang while COMPLAINING to referee

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      A NEW worrying angle of Deontay Wilder’s brutal knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang has emerged.The former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion suffered his second loss in a row to the Chinese clubber in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.Deontay Wilder was knocked out by Zhilei Zhang in their Riyadh rumbleCredit: GETTYFresh footage from the fight showed Wilder complaining to the ref after getting hurtCredit: X@DAZNZhang pounced to send the former champion to the canvasCredit: X@DAZNWilder, 37, was stunned by a big counter right hand in the fifth round before being flattened by a huge follow-up hook.The Bronze Bomber beat the count but the referee saved him from taking additional punishment by waving off the contest.And fresh footage of the knockout revealed just how badly hurt the American was.A newly-released angle of the stoppage from DAZN showed that Wilder was complaining to the referee before Zhang floored him.READ MORE IN BOXINGBoxing fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “What was he complaining about?”Another said: “TF he complaining about? Got hit with a perfect counter right hook.”And another said: “Turned his back talking to the ref? Come on Wilder.”One remarked: “Feel sorry for Deontay, but what was he complaining about? [The] game was still on.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDeontay Wilder’s future is unclear after four losses in his last five fightsCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “Wilder is done!! Dude should have learned to box.”Wilder didn’t protest the stoppage, although he repeatedly said “I’m fine” to head coach Malik Scott in the aftermath of his latest loss.Deontay Wilder back in training after Joseph Parker loss Defeat to Zhang was the Alabama slammer’s FOURTH in his last five outings in the ring.Three of those losses have come by way of knockout, with two being inflicted on him by long-time rival Tyson Fury.Speaking after picking up one of the biggest wins of his career, Zhang said: “I would like to thank every friend who came here over the world and fans in China.”It is midnight there and you are watching me.”I lost to [Joseph] Parker, it was a fair loss. He was the better man that night. “I’ve learned since then. As long as the bell doesn’t ring, stay focused.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have to pretend Wilder didn’t have a right hand and I successfully took it away.”Wilder punches hard, I give him a lot of respect.” More

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      Who is Champions League final referee Slavko Vincic?

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      REFEREE Slavko Vincic will be officiating the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.The crunch clash takes place on Saturday, June 1 at London’s Wembley Stadium.Slavko Vincic will officiate the Champions League final at WembleyCredit: The TimesThis will be Vincic’s second Uefa final after the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyVincic will be joined by fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, who will work as his assistants.Their compatriot Nejc Kajtazoovic will be the VAR referee with countryman Rade Oblenovic as his assistant.And Italian Massimiliano Irrati has been appointed as VAR support.But what should Real and Dortmund fans expect from Vincic? SunSport bring you all the information…Read More on FootballWho is Slavko Vincic?A native of Maribor, Vincic turned professional in 2007 making his debut in Slovenia’s top flight.Vincic was turned international in 2010 and was included in the Slovenian officiating team at Euro 2012 as an unused additional assistant.The 44-year-old has been a Fifa accredited referee since 2010 and has regularly officiated in the Champions League as well as the Europa League and he also took charge of games at Euro 2020.This won’t be the first Uefa final he referees as he was also appointed for the 2022 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat about his booking record?Vincic refereed 23 games this season across Slovenian competitions and European fixtures, handing out 91 yellow cards, one red card and two penalties. The majority of those yellow cards came in Slovenia’s Prva Liga, handing out 55 bookings in 13 games.Jude Bellingham FaceTimes brother Jobe from Bernabeu pitch before scoring wonder goal for Real MadridBoth penalties also took place in the Slovenian top flight.Vincic was assigned five Champions League matches this season, handing out 19 yellow cards in the process. He has also refereed two knockout games – that was Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Lazio in the second leg of the round of 16 and Dortmund’s 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the quarter-finals.How to live stream the Champions League final for FREE
      Since 2016, TNT Sports have live streamed the match on YouTube, but that will change this year.
      Now, you can live stream the Champions League final for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More