In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the Turkish football community, all matches in Turkey have been postponed indefinitely following an alarming attack on a top referee. The assault, which targeted the international reputation of Turkey's top league, has prompted the country's national football federation to take immediate action. As a result, football stocks have plummeted, reflecting the serious implications of the incident.
The unfortunate incident occurred during a match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor in Ankara on Monday. Referee Halil Umut Meler was viciously punched by Faruk Koca, the chairman of MKE Ankaragucu, and two other unidentified individuals immediately after the final whistle. Disturbing live footage of the assault was broadcasted by BeIN Sports, leaving viewers in shock and disbelief.
Koca, who is a former member of parliament for the ruling Justice and Development Party, was promptly arrested on Tuesday, as reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency. Additionally, the police apprehended two other suspects in connection with the assault. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrests on his social media account, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Chairman of the Turkish Football Federation, Mehmet Buyukeksi, expressed his deep concern over the attack, emphasizing that it was not solely aimed at the referee but also tarnished the prestigious reputation of Turkey's Super Lig. The incident has not only cast a dark shadow over the league but has also brought disgrace to Turkish football on an international level. Buyukeksi called for appropriate action to be taken against those involved in acts of abuse and violence against referees in order to safeguard the integrity of the game.
Roberto Rosetti, the chief refereeing officer of UEFA, strongly condemned the assault on Meler, recognizing its detrimental impact on the recruitment of referees, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the sport. Rosetti urged the relevant authorities and disciplinary bodies to take decisive measures against anyone involved in such acts of violence and abuse.
The repercussions of this incident have reverberated through the Turkish football industry, leading to a decline in share prices for all four listed football clubs on the Borsa Istanbul. Fenerbahce, the league leader, experienced a staggering 5.9% drop in share prices, reaching its lowest point since September 29th. Similarly, Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Trabzonspor also suffered significant losses, with share prices falling by 2.8%, 2.8%, and 3.8% respectively.
The Super Lig is Turkey's premier division and ranks seventh in terms of size in Europe. With a player value estimated at around $1.2 billion, top teams like Fenerbahce and Galatasaray contribute a substantial portion of that value, accounting for $470 million. However, the league's value has declined in recent years. For the 2023-2024 season, BeIN Sports, the TV broadcasting rights holder and a subsidiary of Qatari media company BeIN Media, will pay approximately 2.8 billion liras ($100 million) to Super Lig and 1. Lig clubs. This figure is significantly lower than the players' salaries and represents a considerable decrease from the $500 million paid in 2016 when BeIN Sports' Digiturk unit acquired the broadcasting rights for a five-year period.
Criticism of referee decisions by club chairmen, coaches, and the media has long been prevalent in Turkish football, and this incident has shed light on the consequences of such behavior. The Turkish football community has been marred by violence in the past, with multiple instances of referees being attacked by enraged fans during games. In 2013, a Fenerbahce fan tragically lost his life following a derby match against Galatasaray. In 2015, an armed attack on a bus carrying Fenerbahce players and coaches returning from a game resulted in injuries to the bus driver.
The assault on referee Halil Umut Meler serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the deep-rooted issues within Turkish football and work towards creating a safe and respectful environment for all involved. The postponement of matches not only aims to protect the integrity of the sport but also sends a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. It is crucial that decisive action is taken to restore faith in the game and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.