After the attack on Umut Meler: Minister Yerlikaya says 'we are following this sad incident'

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated regarding the attack on the referee, "We are following this sad incident."

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After the attack on Umut Meler: Minister Yerlikaya says 'we are following this sad incident'

In the 15th week of the Trendyol Super League, MKE Ankaragücü hosted Çaykur Rizespor. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with goals from both sides, and both teams finished the match with 10 men.

The match referee, Halil Umut Meler, was suddenly caught in chaos on the pitch after blowing the final whistle. MKE Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca ran onto the field and punched Halil Umut Meler.

Meler, who fell to the ground, was then caught in the middle of the scuffle. Security forces entered the pitch to bring the situation under control.

MESSAGE FROM MINISTER YERLIKAYA

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, who made a statement on his social media account regarding the attack on Umut Meler, said "we are following this sad incident" and used the following expressions:

"I strongly condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler at the end of the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match.

Such incidents are unacceptable on our green fields, which are the foundation of peace and friendship.

We are following this sad incident.

I wish a speedy recovery to our referee Halil Umut Meler, who also successfully represents Turkish refereeing abroad."

YERLIKAYA'S STATEMENT ON DETENTIONS

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya shared the information that the individuals who attacked referee Halil Umut Meler have been detained in a statement on his social media account.

Yerlikaya included the following statements in his post on his official social media account:

"Ankaragücü Club President Faruk Koca, who carried out the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler at the end of the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match, is receiving treatment at the hospital under the supervision of our security forces. Detention procedures will be carried out after treatment.

The individuals named K.Ç. and Ş. Y. Ş., who attacked our referee, have been detained under the instructions of our Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office."