Striking message from Collina regarding Turkey: 'This is unacceptable, enough is enough'
Stating that attacks on referees in football are not just a problem in Turkey, FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina said, "Enough is enough. This is a cancer that could kill football. It is true. I beg football leaders around the world to do something before it is too late. Enough is enough."
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino made statements regarding referees following the FIFA Football Summit held in Saudi Arabia.
"We must all fight against all forms of abuse and violence against referees, and we must also bring back respect and tolerance." said Infantino, adding, "It starts with us, with you, with the leaders of football, with the way we speak, with our behavior. This is our responsibility, because what we do affects many girls and boys, not only in a positive way but also in a negative way."
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. THIS IS A CANCER THAT COULD KILL FOOTBALL"
FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina, who also officiated the 2002 FIFA World Cup final, stated that attacks on referees in football are not just a problem in Turkey.
Speaking about referees during a panel at the summit, Collina noted the following:
"This incident (the attack on the referee in Turkey) was reported by the media, but there are many incidents involving referees in amateur leagues and grassroots football that do not attract media attention. Most of these referees are young, boys and girls. Most of these referees face verbal and even physical attacks. They are subjected to verbal and physical abuse, and those who abuse them are often the parents of the boys and girls playing the match. This is unacceptable. Enough is enough. This is a cancer that could kill football. It is true. I beg football leaders around the world to do something before it is too late. Enough is enough."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Messages of support were published by the international football community for referee Halil Umut Meler, who was attacked after the final whistle of the match played between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor in the Süper Lig on December 11.