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      Turkish ref punched by club president in horror scenes breaks silence as he finally leaves hospital after vile attack

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      THE TURKISH referee who was punched by a club president has broken his silence on the horror scenes.Halil Umut Meler spoke to reporters after leaving hospital two days after the attack.
      Halil Umut Meler was punched by Ankaragucu’s club president on Monday nightCredit: Getty
      Meler broke his silence as he spoke to reporters after leaving hospitalCredit: Getty
      He was attacked by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after his side’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor on Monday.
      Koca stormed onto the pitch before confronting Meler, with the official kicked on the floor after being punched by the club president.
      Meler was later pictured looking battered and bruised in hospital in the wake of the attack.
      He was also seen wearing a neck brace when joined by visitors this week.
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      After being discharged on Wednesday, he spoke to reporters, with Spor Arena reporting he said: “There is no problem with my health.”
      Asked if he would continue refereeing, he added: “They called me from UEFA. I will explain these issues later.
      “There is no situation at the moment, everything is possible. I just want to go home and rest.”
      Monday’s incident caused outrage in Turkey, with president Recep Tayyip amongst those to condemn Koca’s actions.
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      His attack on Meler prompted the suspension of the Turkish Super Lig, although the action is set to resume on December 19 following fan protests.
      Meanwhile, Koca has resigned as Ankaragucu president after a court ordered his arrest on Tuesday. More

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      I organised the Christmas parties for Premier League referees… we wouldn’t get away with similar antics today

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      A FORMER Premier League referee reckons the annual Christmas parties he would organise for officials would not be allowed now.Jeff Winter took charge of top-flight games between 1995 and 2004.
      Jeff Winter used to organise referee Christmas partiesCredit: Getty
      He refereed in the Premier League between 1995 and 2004Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The referee had another role while he was officiating as he was also the social secretary.
      In this role, he would be responsible for organising the league’s referee’s Christmas bash.
      While he did not reveal precise details about went on, Winter insisted that they would not be able to get away with their antics in today’s world.
      Winter took over the role from Peter Jones but believes that current referees would be too vulnerable to seeing their behaviour hit social media.
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      He exclusively revealed to Ladbrokes Fanzone: “When Peter Jones – who was an absolute gent – retired from active refereeing, I took over as the Premier League Referee Social Secretary, so I was responsible for organising the Christmas parties, and the other nights out.
      “Let’s just say, what goes on tour, stays on tour.
      “We had some fantastic times, I can tell you that.
      “But, in a squad of 23 or so people, vastly different characters from different geographical locations, of course you had your cliques, the ‘us and them brigade’.
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      “But basically when we all got together for a social occasion, we all had that one thing in common: we were all referees.
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      “And we had some fantastic times together. It all just seems such a long time ago now.
      “I don’t know what it would be like today with the presence of social media… some of the things we could get away with back in the day, or do, on a night out, it was very much between us there and the four walls we were in.
      “Nowadays, you can’t go to the loo without someone getting a camera out and tweeting it.
      “I do feel for today’s refs, and the players, of course. It’s a different world, totally and utterly.”
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      Turkish referee punched by club president pictured in neck brace as it’s revealed he suffered fractured eye socket

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      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.
      Referee Halil Umut Meler appeared in a neck brace
      Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Meler
      Meler was punched by Ankaragucu’s president Faruk KocaCredit: Getty
      Fans kicked the referee after he fell to the groundCredit: Getty
      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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      Koca punched the ref at the end of the 1-1 drawCredit: Getty
      He has since been arrestedCredit: Getty
      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.” More

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      Turkey postpones ALL matches indefinitely after Ankaragucu president is arrested for punching referee to ground

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      TURKISH football has been SUSPENDED indefinitely after tonight’s shocking attack on a referee by a club president.The disgraceful incident took place following Ankaragucu’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig – the country’s top-flight. 
      Referee Halil Umut Meler was shockingly punched after a Turkish Super Lig matchCredit: Getty
      Faruk Koca, president of Ankaragucu, raced on the pitch at full-time and caught him with a right handCredit: Getty
      The official was then kicked while he was on the floor in the disgraceful meleeCredit: Rex
      Meler’s face instantly began to swell as he was taken to hospital for head traumaCredit: Getty
      The visitors snatched a point at the death as Adolfo Gaich grabbed an equaliser in a bad-tempered game that had also included two red cards as both Ankaragucu’s Ali Sowe and Rizespor’s Emirhan Topcu received their marching orders.
      But more trouble erupted after full-time when ref Halil Umut Meler was confronted and PUNCHED by an irate Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu.
      Explosive footage shows him swinging and connecting with a punch at the unsuspecting official, sending him crashing to the ground.
      Meler was then kicked by another unidentified person while trying to protect his face.
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      Players, coaching staff and security raced to the scene to stop the attack from going even further as the visibly shaken Meler eventually was helped to his feet.
      The official was then spotted sporting a huge black eye as he was escorted from the field before heading to hospital for treatment on his injuries.
      The chief physician of the hospital where he was treated, Doctor Mehmet Yorubulut, said: “There is no life threat for the moment. He only has bleeding around his left eye and a small fracture.
      “We will follow our referee until the morning due to head trauma. We will discharge him from hospital after the necessary examinations in the morning.”
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      The Turkish Football Federation instantly held an extraordinary meeting after the vile scene and they have now announced that all football within the country had been suspended indefinitely.
      Turkish FA [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi said: “The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
      Ankara Police Department were tasked with identifying suspects for the attack and Turkish outlet Hurriyet have reported that Koca, 59, will be arrested.
      Turkey’s minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, said Koca had also required hospital treatment but “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment”.
      He has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021 and was awarded the Fair Play manager of the month award in October 2022. 
      As the shock footage went viral online, Fenerbahce’s Turkish international star Umut Nayir slammed the disgusting scenes and took aim at a wider issue.
      Writing on social media, he said: “A mentality that considers itself to be right no matter what is said or done to the referee has surrounded us.
      “You destroyed the most vulnerable factor in football with your pressure, day by day, together. You put the burden of your failures on them. Shame on you. 
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      “I’m ashamed of the situation you’ve put us in.”
      The 37-year-old Meler is one of Turkey’s top referees and is on Fifa’s international list as well as Uefa’s elite referee list.
      Turkish Football Federation president Mehmet Buyukeksi has suspended all football in the countryCredit: Getty
      Koca (C) also attended hospital but will be detained after treatmentCredit: Getty
      Meler is one of Europe’s top referees and officiates internationally for FifaCredit: Reuters More

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      SunSport expert says Tottenham star Romero should have been sent off for shocking lunge.. and fans agree

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      CRISTIAN ROMERO was extremely lucky not to be sent off against Newcastle.The Tottenham defender’s second-half challenge endangered the safety of Callum Wilson with excessive force.
      Cristian Romero challenge on Callum Wilson
      “I don’t think he’ll learn. I think it’s in him. Some players you can’t tame them. He’s one of those”The Super Sunday panel discuss Cristian Romero’s yellow card 🟨 pic.twitter.com/x6opwq33gx— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 10, 2023

      I wouldn’t blame referee Chris Kavanagh for showing a yellow card as Ben Davies appeared to block his viewing angle.
      But Romero, just back from a ban, went over the top, caught Wilson twice and this was a case for VAR intervention and a red card.
      Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and Jacob Brown of Luton should have also been red-carded this weekend for similar challenges which went unpunished.
      We need to eradicate them from the game because a player will get seriously injured if we continue to allow them.
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      Romero has just returned from a three-game ban for a straight red card earlier this season.
      So that means, had he received the same punishment on the pitch this time he would have picked up a four-game suspension.
      Most fans were incredulous at what seemed his fierce follow-through on Wilson’s ankle did not lead to his instant dismissal in Spurs’ 4-1 win.
      One viewer hit out: “How is that not a red? Wtf!”
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      Jacob Brown’s tackle could have seriously hurt Man City star Phil FodenCredit: Rex
      Frank Onyeka stayed on despite this challenge on Sheffield United’s Vini SouzaCredit: Reuters
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      Another argued: “Red card definitely. Looking at similar situations this is obvious. Have some consistency for once.”
      A third fan suggested some officials are hesitant to dish out straight reds – because of video replays.
      He wrote: “The referee gave a yellow cos he knows he has VAR to fall back on! This has been the referee mentality since VAR has came in! They don’t make the decisions and wait for VAR!”
      Many observers reckon Romero is a “beast” – but opinion is split on whether he can, or should, be controlled.
      One claimed: “He might not be the same player if you tame him.”
      Another fan made a similar point: “Romero’s style might be untameable, an innate part of his game.”
      But this post summed up the alternative thinking: “He’s a beast, but he needs to chill. Too many cards, too many fouls.” More

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      Fans reckon ref blunder vs Spurs ‘best thing that’s ever happened to Liverpool’ after yet more VAR controversy at Palace

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      FOOTBALL fans reckon Liverpool are getting the rub of the green with VAR ever since their controversial defeat to Tottenham.That’s after Virgil van Dijk escaped giving away a penalty at Crystal Palace due to a foul in the build-up.
      Some fans reckon Liverpool are getting VAR decisions ever since their defeat to SpursCredit: Alamy
      Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty before VAR intervenedCredit: PA
      The penalty was eventually ruled out for a foul on Wataru Endo earlier in the build-upCredit: TNT
      VAR made the huge call during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Selhurst Park.
      Van Dijk was penalised for a foul in Liverpool’s box on Palace striker Odsonne Edouard.
      The Dutchman looked distraught as referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot.
      However, the official was instructed by VAR to check the pitch-side monitor as there may have been a foul on a Liverpool player in the build-up.
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      Wataru Endo collided with Will Hughes earlier on, conceding possession which eventually resulted in Palace’s penalty.
      But VAR and Madley agreed it was a pertinent issue in play.
      And to the jeers of the Selhurst Park crowd, the penalty was overturned.
      Fans at home were certainly unimpressed, with many feeling that Liverpool have been getting most VAR calls ever since a shocking call went against them in September’s defeat at Spurs.
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      Luis Diaz’s perfectly legal goal was ruled out for offside as the Reds lost 2-1 while also having two players sent off.
      But some supporters reckon Liverpool are now reaping the benefits.
      One said: “Liverpool ever since the Spurs game has had every decision go in favour of them. VAR is a joke.”
      Another declared: “Absolutely insane that the on-field call doesn’t stand there. It’s a foul, but the ref didn’t think it was. If that’s most other teams, VAR doesn’t intervene.”
      One added: “Ruling that goal out against Spurs is the best thing to ever happen to Liverpool.”
      However, VAR did come to the rescue for Palace during the second half.
      Jean-Philippe Mateta went down from a foul by Jarell Quansah in the Liverpool box, with Madley initially waving away his concerns.
      But VAR had a check and informed the ref that his decision needed checking on the screen.
      And after taking a look, Madley reversed the call to give Palace the penalty.
      Mateta then slammed home his effort to put the Eagles ahead at Selhurst Park.
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      However, goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott helped Liverpool come back to take all three points and take over from Arsenal, who play on Saturday night, at the top of table. More

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      Chelsea’s staggering discipline issues laid bare as only two clubs in Europe have worse record than Blues

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      CHELSEA have the third worst disciplinary record in Europe, it has been revealed.The Blues have been dogged by suspensions to a number of players this season, with Conor Gallagher the latest member of the squad to be suspended after he was sent off against Brighton.
      Chelsea have received more bookings than anyone else in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      They have received 50 cards already this seasonCredit: Rex
      This caused him to miss the midweek clash with Manchester United, a game they lost 2-1.
      Gallagher was the third player to be sent off for Chelsea this season, following Malo Gusto and Reece James.
      Nicolas Jackson has also been sidelined through accumulation of yellow cards.
      Indeed, in total the Blues have already been handed 50 cards this season, 47 yellow and three red.
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      However, while they are worst in the Premier League for getting themselves into the referee’s book, they are far from the worst offenders when it looking to the continent.
      There are a total of four English teams in the top ten so far this season.
      Brighton rank eighth in the table having picked up 45 bookings, two of which have been red.
      Sheffield United have 46 cards, with the Blades having received 44 yellow cards.
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      Wolves jump the figure up by two to reach 48, with 45 yellows and three reds.
      Chelsea are next with 50 but are not top of the tree.
      LaLiga outfit Cadiz top Mauricio Pochettino’s side with 54 cards, five of which have been red.
      However, they are still far off the figure set by Getafe.
      The Spanish side have received a remarkable 66 bookings already this season, with 61 yellows and five reds.
      Getafe lead the way with a whopping 66 bookings More

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      Bizarre reason Man Utd vs Chelsea halted twice as fans demand LINESMAN is subbed off for ‘all time disasterclass’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED vs Chelsea was halted twice due to an issue with one of the linesmen’s radio systems.Play had to be paused twice during the first half at Old Trafford whilst the problem was resolved.
      An issue with the linesman’s radio system caused play to be delayedCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      The issue prevented the assistant referee from communicating with referee Chris Kavanagh.
      Fans were left confused by the stoppage as another official attempted to fix the radio during a break in play.
      The pair struggled with the device for several minutes before the radio was taped back onto the official’s sleeve.
      Reacting to the incident on social media, one supporter wrote: “Sub off the linesman, he’s dropping an all timer disasterclass.”
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      Another added: “Well the linesman has just got this game an extra 10 minutes added time.”
      A third fan also commented: “Ridiculous stoppage. That’s everyone home five minutes later at this 8.15pm kick-off.”
      Meanwhile, one more joked: “Shouldn’t they give the linesman a yellow card for wasting time?”
      The lengthy delay caused an additional eight minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
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      The match was paused twice whilst the issue was resolvedCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      Once play resumed, Scott McTominay opened the scoring, scrambling the ball past Robert Sanchez to put the hosts in front.
      His goal came after Sanchez had denied Bruno Fernandes from the penalty spot following a foul on Antony by Enzo Fernandez.
      United were unable to hold onto their advantage until the interval, though, as Cole Palmer pulled Chelsea level moments before the start of added time.
      Thankfully for the hosts, McTominay was on target again as Man Utd ran out 2-1 winners. More