A top league in Europe has been suspended after a referee was punched in the face by a club president before being kicked in the head on Monday night.
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Match official Halil Umut Meler was attacked and left needing medical attention in Turkey on Monday following a game between Ankaragucu and Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Ankaragucu's president Faruk Koca entered the field after the game and punched Meler in the face in horrific scenes, before other people near the incident began kicking the referee in the head as he lay on the floor.
According to the Mirror, the referee was eventually escorted to the dressing room by police, while Koca is being treated in hospital under close police supervision after was seemingly hurt during the scuffle too.
The terrifying incident has led to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) postponing all matches in the division indefinitely, with further action against Koca and Ankaragucu likely to be taken.
The report states that Koca's invasion of the pitch came after Adolfo Gaich's stoppage-time equaliser for Rizespor, with images online showing Meler with heavy swelling around the eye that was struck.
"This vile attack was not only made against Halil Umut Meler. Today, this inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish football," a part of the TFF's statement read.
"Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime. The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack."
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"All the criminal proceedings they deserve have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack."
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