Referee Meler, who was attacked after the match: Emre Belözoğlu provoked it

Speaking about the events that occurred during the Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match, FIFA-licensed referee Halil Umut Meler blamed Emre Belözoğlu.

Following the Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match played in the 15th week of the Süper Lig, former Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca entered the pitch and attacked Halil Umut Meler, who was also kicked while on the ground. FIFA-licensed referee Halil Umut Meler recounted the events that took place after the incident-filled match to Hürriyet and made statements regarding Ankaragücü manager Emre Belözoğlu.

Halil Umut Meler stated that after he blew the final whistle, players came to thank and congratulate him. Meler said he noticed Emre Belözoğlu's hand and arm gestures at that moment and noted that the opposing manager, İlhan Palut, was trying to calm Belözoğlu down. Meler said, "Right at that moment, an individual from my left side threw a punch. After that, I don't remember the rest of the event because I was struck while on the ground." Emphasizing that the police and representatives did not expect such a situation, he stated that the only person who provoked the incident was manager Emre Belözoğlu. He described the event as unexpected and a situation that was difficult to foresee.

"HE HAD A PERSONAL OPINION IN 2018"

When asked, "Did Emre Belözoğlu provoke it?", Halil Umut Meler replied, "Yes, this is something that is openly visible. Let him say during the match, 'You made this mistake against me, I conceded a goal because of you.' There is no such thing. The Ankaragücü Sports Club or its fans have nothing to do with it. He has a normal action. Either he planned this beforehand. Because, as you know, he had a personal opinion about me in 2018. I think this personal opinion still continues today."

Stating that Emre Belözoğlu did not apologize, Meler said, "I supposedly laughed at him when he was struck. I said, 'Let him prove that I laughed, fine.' It is not a problem for me. I never took this personally. It was his opinion. But when we come to today, the issue that saddens me is this; although the person who committed that act against me, the person who threw the punch, apologized to me and my family in writing, he himself did not apologize. Emre Belözoğlu did not apologize. If there is proof, say he did it, let him say 'I sent a message'... But so far, if you notice, there is nothing in the interview he gave 2 days ago either. He says he is sad, but what is he sad about? Is he sad that the person who committed the violence is in this situation? Or is he sad because he brought it to this point himself? Or is he sad because I was struck?"

"HE HAS A 10-DAY-OLD CHILD..."

Halil Umut Meler said, "I remind you that he has a 10-day-old child. Now when we look, he has such a statement from 2018. Is it in his interviews? Yes, it is. Now I look, he does not apologize to me. What would you think? Leave me aside, he does not apologize to my family. My 95-year-old grandmother got up from İzmir and came here crying. I have a 10-day-old child."

Stating that Emre Belözoğlu was being held back by İlhan Palut at that moment, Halil Umut Meler said, "Look, although the person who committed this act, the person who threw the punch, apologized to me and my family, he himself did not apologize. Based on this, let me ask; what would you think? I am asking now, quite openly; what would have happened if the opposing manager İlhan Palut had not held him back?"

Halil Umut Meler stated that he did not hear what Emre Belözoğlu said at that moment and added, "You see his hands and arms, but you don't hear what the words are. Nothing came from the representatives either."

"I WILL NOT FORGIVE"

Stating that he will not forgive Faruk Koca, Halil Umut Meler said, "No, I did not forgive him, and I will not forgive him. I have said this in many places; he threw a punch himself, I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the blows I received while on the ground will be something I can never forget for the rest of my life. That is why I will never forgive him in good conscience. I will not forgive him in any way, and I will never forgive those who did this or those who incited it."

Stating that his family will decide whether he returns to the pitch, Halil Umut Meler said, "This should not have happened. My family should not have been put in this situation. Ultimately, we are a family. They were the ones I was most saddened for. Right now, the decision they will make is more important to me. I will continue my path in some way with their input."

Stating that the federation never left him alone, Meler said, "The TFF management showed they were behind us by postponing the matches. They constantly called and asked about me. They never left me alone during that process. Not only the TFF, but also our state, political parties, NGOs, and the Union of Clubs came... The President of the Union of Clubs, Mr. Ali Koç, and other presidents visited. I received many messages and calls. Support messages came from FIFA and UEFA. Everything is in the past now. Everything will be beautiful from now on. Everyone knows that lessons will be learned from this and big steps will be taken. I know that the TFF will work and be fair from now on. I have seen their incredibly positive approaches."

News Source: 12punto