Osman Aşkın Bak: Everyone has a duty to reduce the pressure on referees

Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak visited referee Halil Umut Meler, who was attacked on the pitch by MKE Ankaragücü club president Faruk Koca and others following the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match played last night in the Super Lig, at the hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Speaking upon leaving the hospital, Bak expressed that the incident, which they strongly condemn, has saddened everyone, saying, "Everyone has a duty to reduce the pressure on referees. We call on everyone to act with common sense. We are absolutely against such incidents and we will not tolerate them."

Stating that the Ministers of Interior and Justice have made the necessary assessments regarding those who caused the incident, Aşkın Bak said:

"They have carried out the necessary assessments and procedures. The process regarding them has now been transferred to the court. The judicial process is ongoing. Everyone has a duty to reduce the pressure on referees. We call on everyone to act with common sense. We are absolutely against such incidents and we will not tolerate them. Our administrators and all stakeholders in football and sports must fulfill their responsibilities. We call on everyone to act with common sense. Our national team brought great joy to our people by qualifying for the European Football Championship. We want our league to be of higher quality ahead of the European Football Championship to be played in Germany. That is why we are absolutely against such incidents and we will not tolerate them. We will take the necessary measures."

Explaining that Umut Meler expressed his feelings during the visit, Minister Bak continued his words as follows:

"The incident saddened us all, the entire community. We do not want to see these things on sports fields; we will not give any opportunity for any of them. Our President is also following the incident closely. He also called our brother Halil Umut Meler and conveyed his get-well wishes. Everyone should do their part by seeing this incident as a turning point. We need to make an effort to increase the value of Turkish sports. We will organize the 2032 European Championship; these are important processes. We call on everyone to act with common sense. Whatever is necessary will be done in the process. We will also be following it up."

Stating that he does not think there will be a very long break in the leagues, Bak concluded his remarks by saying, "Apart from the regulations in Law No. 6222, we will also review UEFA criteria and Turkish Football Federation criteria. We will put forward criticisms and opinions. We are now heading to a meeting."

News Source: 12punto