After the conflict between Ankaragücü and Rizespor within the fifteenth week of the Süper Lig, referee Halil Umut Meler, who fell sufferer to Faruk Koca’s assault, spoke for the primary concerning the scandalous incident and its aftermath.
During an interview with Hürriyet, Meler, identified internationally for his officiating prowess, stated he held nothing again in recounting the scandalous incident and its subsequent fallout.
Halil Umut Meler, a reputation resonating not simply in Türkiye but in addition a European elite referee, shared his candid ideas, shedding mild on the disturbing occasions that transpired throughout and after the Ankaragücü-Rizespor match.
Meler pointedly asserted that your complete episode commenced with the deliberate provocation initiated by Emre Belözoğlu, the top coach of the capital metropolis crew.
What unfolded that night time and the repercussions that adopted? Here’s an unaltered account of Halil Umut Meler’s statements.
Following the ultimate whistle, as gamers approached to precise gratitude and congratulations, a seemingly abnormal second took a darkish flip.
In footage captured on screens, Emre Belözoğlu’s fingers and arms come into focus.
Simultaneously, Ilhan Palut, the opposing coach, tried to restrain him.
However, amid the unfolding scene, an assailant, unprovoked till then, struck Meler with a punch from his left aspect.
The aftermath stays a blur for Meler, who discovered himself on the receiving finish of the assault.
The surprising assault left each the police and representatives bewildered, given the absence of any forewarning.
Meler asserted that the only provocateur of this unexpected aggression was none aside from the top coach – Emre Belözoğlu.
In response to probing questions on Belözoğlu’s involvement, Meler acknowledged, “Yes, that is something clearly visible.”
There have been no accusations or protests through the match, no expressions of discontent.
The altercation seemingly stemmed from a routine motion, leaving Meler confused about whether or not the incident was premeditated or a continuation of a private opinion harbored by Belözoğlu since 2018.
Meler, resolute in his account, expressed that the coach had not approached him through the match with grievances or accusations associated to any officiating errors.
He addressed Belözoğlu’s declare that the referee had laughed when the coach suffered an damage.
“Prove that I laughed, okay,” retorted Meler.
He reiterated that the incident, whereas maybe shaping private opinions, was not an issue for him till Belözoğlu’s silence following the assault.
Despite a written apology from Koca, Belözoğlu failed to increase a private apology, leaving Meler puzzled concerning the sincerity of the expressed regret.
When questioned about forgiving Faruk Koca, the assailant, on ethical grounds, Meler’s response was unequivocal: “No, I have not forgiven, and I will not forgive him.”
Meler emphasised that whereas Koca executed the bodily assault, the actual victims have been those that endured the aftermath of the assault on the bottom.
According to Meler, the ethical ramifications lengthen not solely to the assailant but in addition to those that orchestrated and provoked the incident.
Regarding his future plans and the continuation of his refereeing profession, Meler highlighted the significance of respecting the career.
Despite previous altercations with Belözoğlu, Meler emphasised the necessity for mutual skilled respect.
The incident, he careworn, transcends private issues – it has change into a query {of professional} disrespect affecting him and his household and colleagues.
Meler affirmed his dedication to persevering with his refereeing profession however underscored the crucial of addressing the broader subject {of professional} integrity.
Ankaragücü’s response
After Meler’s interview, Hüseyin Aytekin, board member and spokesperson for Ankaragücü Club, stepped into the fray, shedding mild on the post-match occasions gripping the soccer neighborhood.
Aytekin declared that makes an attempt have been being made to ensnare the membership’s coach, Emre Belözoğlu, within the maelstrom of controversies following their encounter with Rizespor.
In a written assertion, Aytekin emphasised that the incidents publish the Rizespor match are below scrutiny by the judicial system and the committees of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
“Relevant referrals have been made regarding those responsible, and decisions have been rendered by the PFDK. Our club will exercise its right to appeal to the Arbitration Committee for PFDK decisions. We, as MKE Ankaragücü Club, are disheartened to witness our technical director, Emre Belözoğlu, persistently being drawn into the unfolding events,” he stated.
“Our coach, Emre Belözoğlu, whose name does not feature in the referee and representative reports, repeatedly expressed his regret to referee Halil Umut Meler both on the field and in the corridors. Against our coach’s constructive approach, I invite everyone attempting to manipulate perceptions based on an interview from years ago to exercise prudence for the sake of Turkish football in this chaotic environment. This is not a time to settle scores from bygone eras but a period to unite and navigate Turkish football out of its crisis,” he added.
Aytekin urged stakeholders to acknowledge Belözoğlu’s apologetic stance, dismissing makes an attempt to forged a shadow on the coach’s integrity.
Drawing consideration to their coach’s constructive and remorseful demeanor, Aytekin emphasised that the current challenges in Turkish soccer demand a collective and smart response.
“This is not an era for seeking retribution from past grievances; it’s a time for unity to pull Turkish football out of the crisis it finds itself in. Let us rise above the chaos and work towards a footballing landscape that thrives on cooperation and sportsmanship,” he concluded.
Source: www.dailysabah.com