The Turkish referee who was punched to the bottom by the president of MKE Ankaragucu on the finish of a match has mentioned he’ll “not forgive” his attacker.
Halil Umut Meler was struck within the face by Faruk Koca on the last whistle of MKE Ankaragucu’s match in opposition to Rizespor on 11 December.
Meler, 37, was kicked within the head a minimum of as soon as whereas he was on the bottom after the assault. He was later handled in hospital for a slight fracture close to his eye however was not in a critical situation.
During the Super Lig sport he had despatched off one participant from either side earlier than an equaliser for Rizespor within the seventh minute of damage time led the sport to finish in a 1-1 draw.
Following the assault on Meler, skilled soccer was suspended for per week in Turkey and Koca was arrested.
Speaking in regards to the incident for the primary time, Meler advised the Turkish information web site Hurriyet: “No I did not forgive (Koca), I will not forgive.”
He continued: “I collapsed and fell to the bottom. But the precise kicking whereas I used to be on the bottom shall be one thing I’ll always remember for the remainder of my life. That’s why, in conscience, I’ll by no means forgive. I cannot forgive in any means, I’ll by no means forgive those that did it or those that provoked it.
“I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it.”
Asked whether or not he has watched the footage again of the assault, Meler mentioned: “No, I have never watched it. I don’t plan to watch it either. I have a son who is in first grade. The whole school is talking about this.”
He added that when when his son requested him what occurred he replied that “there was a collision”.
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Turkey’s justice minister Yilmaz Tunc has beforehand mentioned Koca and two others had been arrested for “injuring a public official”.
Koca additionally obtained a everlasting ban from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), whereas MKE Ankaragucu had been fined two million lira (£54,000) and ordered to play 5 dwelling video games with none followers.
Koca later issued a press release through Ankaragucu saying he was “embarrassed” and “saddened” by his behaviour and had resigned as membership president.
Source: information.sky.com”