Support for Halil Umut Meler from Collina: 'He did not deserve what he went through'

FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina expressed his support for Halil Umut Meler in a statement.

Stating that they spent time together at the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Argentina, he said, "He is a very good referee and a very good person. He did not deserve what he went through in Ankara."

"THE IMAGES OF THE BRUISING ARE HORRIFYING"

Noting that Meler was performing his duties when he was attacked, Collina said, "The images of Halil Umut Meler trying to protect his head while lying on the ground as he was kicked by his attackers, and the bruising under his eye, are horrifying."

"IT HAPPENS, ALBEIT RARELY"

Pointing out that it is also terrifying that thousands of referees are subjected to verbal or physical abuse in lower leagues around the world in incidents that do not make it to the media, the Italian sports official stated the following:

"They are unknown. The vast majority of these are young referees at the beginning of their careers. Last month in London, I said that 'violence, verbal and physical abuse against referees is a cancer that could cost football its future.' A referee cannot be beaten, even if the decision they made is wrong. Their car cannot be bombed or set on fire because of a penalty kick. Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration because in some countries, these things happen, albeit rarely."

Thanking FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his support for Halil Umut Meler as a former referee, Collina called for action "before it is too late, before the cancer kills football."