Emre Belözoğlu: 'I did not plan the attack, I apologized to Meler'

Emre Belözoğlu, who was accused by referee Halil Umut Meler—the victim of a physical assault by Faruk Koca—of planning and provoking the attack, has defended himself.

Responding to Meler's claims that "Emre Belözoğlu planned it, he provoked it. He did not apologize to me," Ankaragücü Manager Emre Belözoğlu said, "When I heard about the incident, I went onto the pitch and hugged Halil Umut Meler. In the corridor, I apologized to him three times for what had happened. Later, I called him, but since he was resting, I spoke with his assistant referee."

Speaking to Haber Global, Belözoğlu continued his remarks as follows:

"The assistant referee also told me, 'I am a witness that you came to us in the corridor and supported us. You even shouted at those who were hitting him on the ground, asking where their manhood was.' He also thanked me. I will make the necessary statements tomorrow after our match."

News Source: 12punto