Mehmet Büyükekşi: We have postponed matches in all leagues indefinitely

Following the assault on referee Halil Umut Meler, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting and decided to postpone matches in all leagues indefinitely.

In his statement after the meeting, TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi said, "Following the Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match played last night, our FIFA-badged referee was subjected to a very severe and inhumane attack by mindless criminals. We strongly condemn this attack. This attack was carried out against all stakeholders of Turkish football. Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against them until today is an accomplice to this despicable crime."

"EVERYONE WHO TARGETS REFEREES IS AN ACCOMPLICE TO THIS CRIME"

Büyükekşi's statements are as follows:

"Our FIFA-badged referee Halil Umut Meler was subjected to a very severe and inhumane attack by mindless criminals. We condemn this attack. We are closely monitoring Halil Umut Meler's health status. We wish our esteemed referee a speedy recovery."

"This vile attack was not just against Halil Umut Meler! It was against all stakeholders of Turkish football. Everyone who has targeted referees until today is an accomplice to this despicable crime. Presidents, coaches, players, and football commentators who target referees and throw them to the public are among those responsible for this vile attack.

"WE HAVE POSTPONED ALL MATCHES INDEFINITELY"

We have postponed all matches indefinitely. We will make a statement regarding the status of the leagues in the coming days. We will meet again.

"DO NOT LOWER THE VALUE OF TURKISH FOOTBALL ANY FURTHER"

Enough is enough! We say enough! Blaming referees every day! Referees are human too! To kick and punch like this... No one should be hit like this. Do not lower the value of Turkish football any further! Let us not disgrace Turkish football to the world! Enough is enough!

"WE WILL VISIT HIM TOMORROW"

We will visit referee Halil Umut Meler tomorrow. There is a fracture in his bone. Hopefully, there is no major problem. First and foremost, his health status is very important.

"THEY SUPPORTED THE DECISIONS WE WILL TAKE"

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, and Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak called. We told them we were in a meeting, and they wished us success. They said they support the decisions we will take. Union of Clubs President Ali Koç and some other presidents also called.

"OUR BOARDS WILL IMPOSE THE NECESSARY PENALTIES"

The responsible club and its officials will be punished in the harshest way possible. The TFF administration does not impose the necessary penalties directly. Our Legal Consultancy will make the referrals, and our boards will impose the necessary penalties."

News Source: 12punto