The Turkish referee vowed that he will never forgive Faruk Koca, who viciously assaulted him, while opening up on the harrowing incident.
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Halil Umut Meler was attacked by Ankaragucu presidentEnded up in hospital with a fractured eyeSays he will never forgive KocaWHAT HAPPENED?
Koca stormed onto the field, physically assaulting Meler following his team's 97th-minute equalizer against Caykur Rizespor in a 1-1 Super Lig draw. Meler, who had to spend three days in the hospital recovering from the sudden attack, was released on Wednesday but while he left the medical facility he was spotted with a swollen eye.
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In an interview with Turkish media outlet Hurriyet, Meler said: "No, I did not forgive [Koca], I will not forgive. The person who did this punched me, I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life. That's why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it. I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As a disciplinary measure, the Turkish Football Federation's disciplinary board handed Koca a lifetime ban. Ankaragucu, the club associated with Koca, was penalized with five home matches played behind closed doors and a fine of 60,000 euros ($66,000).
"I think this was a milestone,' Meler said. "No one should provoke [referees]. Everyone does their job. It is said that the problem is a lack of education. No, there is training in refereeing that is not available in corporate companies. That's why I think referees should be encouraged. I think they are also tired of some things. We always say, pressure, pressure. Not only me, they also have a family."
DID YOU KNOW?
The aftermath of the incident led to the suspension of all leagues by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). The top-flight resumed after this suspension, but one of the scheduled games was abandoned when Istanbulspor's president withdrew the team in protest against a refereeing decision.
