Call from Devlet Bahçeli to the TFF and referees! 'Reconsider the postponement decision'

The pitch turned chaotic following the final whistle of the Süper Lig match between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor.

A NIGHT OF SHAME!

Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca entered the pitch after the match and punched FIFA-badged referee Halil Umut Meler. Meler, who fell to the ground after the blow, was kicked by individuals accompanying Koca.

FARUK KOCA ARRESTED

Following the incident, which has gone down as a dark stain in the history of Turkish football, leagues were postponed indefinitely, and Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca was arrested.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli issued a statement regarding the incident that has dominated the agenda. 

Addressing the TFF, which made the decision to postpone the leagues indefinitely, Bahçeli said, "I sincerely hope that the decision by the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors to postpone matches in all leagues indefinitely, as well as the call by the Turkish Association of Active Football Referees and Observers for referees not to officiate matches, will be reconsidered, and that Turkish sports will not be surrendered to a few provocateurs."

''A SHADOW HAS BEEN CAST OVER TURKISH SPORTS''

The statements made by Bahçeli on his social media account are as follows:

''The punch attack by the MKE Ankaragücü Club President, who entered the pitch with fury and rage at the end of the football match, against the officiating referee, and the subsequent scenes of additional violence have deeply wounded our nation and cast a shadow over Turkish sports. These primitive images, regardless of the excuse, have also shaken our social peace and security.

''I WISH FOR THE PROVOCATEURS TO BE PUNISHED IN THE SEVEREST WAY''

I condemn the violent attack on the match referee, Mr. Halil Umut Meler, convey my best wishes for his recovery, and wish for the attackers and the provocateurs who paved the way for last night's environment to be punished in the severest way. The association of Turkish football life with match-fixing, violence, and suspicious names experiencing nervous breakdowns or involved in illegal funds has revealed a regrettable and worrying picture.

There is a very serious need right now for common sense, moderation, calmness, and acting with a sense of responsibility. I sincerely hope that the decision by the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors to postpone matches in all leagues indefinitely, as well as the call by the Turkish Association of Active Football Referees and Observers for referees not to officiate matches, will be reconsidered, and that Turkish sports will not be surrendered to a few provocateurs.

It is possible to turn this crisis into an opportunity for Turkish sports/football. It is our goal and our duty of honor to transform the pitches, along with the stands, into a festive environment, a holiday and spring atmosphere, by uniting and embracing, within love and respect, and by locking arms around friendship and sportsmanship. We cannot find solutions by running away from problems; we cannot open sliding doors or locked hearts. Today is a day to be one, a day to be brothers, and a day for tolerance."

News Source: 12punto