Faruk Koca's physical assault on referee Halil Umut Meler makes international headlines

Following the Ankaragücü - Rizespor Süper Lig match, the physical assault by Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca on referee Halil Umut Meler has become a major topic in international media. Marca, one of Spain's leading sports newspapers, described it as "Unusual, shameful, and sad."

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Faruk Koca's physical assault on referee Halil Umut Meler makes international headlines

Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca's physical assault on referee Halil Umut Meler has also resonated in international media.

At the end of the Ankaragücü - Rizespor match played in the 15th week of the Süper Lig, Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca entered the pitch and punched referee Halil Umut Meler. Two individuals who followed Koca then kicked Halil Umut Meler repeatedly after he had fallen to the ground.

FIFA-licensed referee Halil Umut Meler was escorted out of the stadium by police and taken to the hospital by ambulance. Although Meler's health condition is reported to be stable, it was stated that he was in shock due to the incident. Meler, who was placed under observation at the hospital, underwent a brain CT scan.

The punch thrown by Faruk Koca at Halil Umut Meler quickly made its way into international media.

International media outlets reported on the incident, which is considered a disgrace for Turkish football, with the following headlines:

Daily Mail: Brutal attack on referee in Turkey

The Ankaragücü Club President punched and kicked referee Halil Umut Meler following the match played against Rizespor in the Süper Lig. With the final whistle, Faruk Koca's assault on Meler, captured on camera in horrific scenes, revealed the severity of the incident. While Meler was defending himself on the ground, he was subjected to a kicking attack by at least two people. The FIFA-licensed referee, who was escorted out of the stadium by police, was transferred to the hospital by ambulance. It was stated that although Meler's health condition is good following a brain CT scan, he has not yet overcome the shock of the incident. Meler has been placed under observation at the hospital.

Telegraph: Turkish referee knocked to the ground by club president, then kicked in the head

BILD: Scandal in Turkey

Marca: Unusual, shameful and sad

As: Ankaragücü President enters the pitch and punches the referee in the face

Sport: Brutal attack on referee in the Turkish Süper Lig

L'Équipe: Ankaragücü president severely beats referee

OJOGO: Shock in Turkish football: Referee punched by president

ABOLA: Ankaragücü president attacks referee

Tuttosport: Club president punches and kicks referee

Onefootball: Club president attacks referee after Ankaragücü - Rizespor match

Daily Record: Turkish referee punched by president

Eurofoot: Referee kicked repeatedly and suffered severe eye injury