Turkish elite referee Halil Umut Meler discovered himself on the heart of controversy as he disallowed Belgium’s star striker Romelu Lukaku’s two objectives on Monday, resulting in Slovakia’s 1-0 victory in Euro 2024.
The match, officiated by the “controversial” Meler, noticed Lukaku’s objectives within the 56th and 87th minutes controversially dominated out, sparking outrage amongst Belgian gamers and followers.
Meler, assisted by Mustafa Emre Eyisoy and Kerem Ersoy, made the essential choices, with VAR officers Bastian Dankert and Alper Ulusoy additionally concerned.
Lukaku’s first purpose was disallowed for offside after VAR evaluate within the 56th minute, whereas his second purpose within the 86th minute was annulled resulting from handball after VAR scrutiny.
The disallowed objectives reignited discussions about refereeing requirements, with some referencing Meler’s earlier encounter in December 2023, when the then Ankaragücü’s president, Faruk Koca, bodily assaulted him after a match.
Belgium’s disappointment was compounded by Lukaku’s earlier disallowed purpose resulting from offside, highlighting the superb margins in top-level soccer.
In the top, Slovakia secured the win, with Ivan Schranz’s early purpose proving decisive and marking a historic second for Slovakian soccer in main tournaments.
Halil Umut Meler’s officiating and the VAR choices stole the X highlight, with one consumer posting: “I’m starting to see why this referee got punched in Turkey. He’s been appalling.”
Another consumer echoed the sentiment, saying: “This referee is the worst referee ever. Openda gets pushed against the ball while the ball doesn’t even change directions and the ref calls handball While the SVK player can push the ball away without a punishment. This ref is only at the Euro because he got beaten up.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com