Local newspapers in Sivas stand by Halil Umut Meler: They blacked out their pages
Local newspapers published in Sivas reacted to the violence against the referee in the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match by completely blacking out their sports pages. Sivas Ekspres Gazetesi, which supported Halil Umut Meler, ran the headline 'A dark night in Turkish football!'
İHA
The match played between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor at Eryaman Stadium in the 15th week of the Süper Lig was marked by acts of violence.
After the match referee Halil Umut Meler blew the final whistle, the pitch suddenly turned into chaos. MKE Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca entered the pitch and punched Halil Umut Meler.
Following the match, the sports community expressed great outrage over the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler.
Sivas İrade Gazetesi and Sivas Ekspres Gazetesi, both published in Sivas, completely blacked out their sports pages.
Sivas İrade Gazetesi was published with the headline 'We condemn it! We experienced a football evening that is shameful and will not be forgotten!' on a black background.
A long text included in the newspaper contained sentences of condemnation.
Sivas Ekspres Gazetesi used the headline 'A dark night in Turkish football! What happened is absolutely unacceptable'.