The president of the Arbitration Council (CA) of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed solidarity this Wednesday with his Turkish counterpart, following the attack on Halil Umut Meler, admitting Turkish referees in Portuguese competitions to mitigate the suspension.
“Taking into account that Turkish League matches have been suspended until further notice, I would like to inform you that the FPF CA, with the intention of supporting Turkish referees and ensuring the maintenance of their competitive rhythm, is available to appoint Turkish international referees to arbitrate in our First League”, reads the letter sent by José Fontelas Gomes to his Turkish counterparts, to which Lusa had access.
On Monday, Turkish international referee Halil Umut Meler was attacked by the president of Ankaragücü and people linked to that club, in which the Portuguese Pedrinho plays, with the Turkish Football Federation “indefinitely” suspending the country’s main league and the remaining championships.
In the same letter, Fontelas Gomes considered that this violent act must be “condemned and repudiated”, recognizing that it “causes undeniable damage not only to football but also to refereeing”, admitting that this opportunity can “help them to ensure that they do not are negatively impacted by this unfortunate event.”
“Together, we can work to strengthen and protect refereeing, promoting a safe and fair environment for everyone involved in sport”, highlighted the Portuguese leader, recognizing this must be a common concern: “We should all be concerned when the integrity and safety of referees, who play a vital role in fair competition, commit themselves in this way.”
The Turkish federation’s decision came shortly after, following the draw with Rizespor (1-1), the president of Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, invaded the pitch and punched referee Umut Meler, who fell and continued to be kicked in the face and head by members linked to the same club.
With the referee lying on the ground, several people, including players, assistant referees and coaches, quickly created a security circle to try to prevent further aggression.
Umut Meler, 37, was transported to the hospital to receive medical assistance and spent the night in the unit due to the possibility of having internal injuries, both in the brain and in the abdominal region.
This year, Umut Meler was at games for Benfica and Sporting de Braga in the Champions League and also for Bosnia-Herzegovina-Portugal, in the qualifying phase for Euro’2024.
2023-12-13 10:53:41
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