FIFA Chief Referee Collina expresses anger following assault on Turkish referee

The issue of abuse towards referees in football has once again been brought to the forefront after Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler was assaulted by the president of Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca. Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, has spoken out against this behavior, calling it a “cancer” on the sport. The incident has sparked a conversation about the safety and treatment of referees in football, with Collina emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue. The repercussions of the assault, including Koca’s resignation as president of Ankaragucu, have also highlighted the seriousness of the matter.

Ankaragucu’s president resigns after assaulting referee

Ankaragucu’s president Faruk Koca has resigned from his position after assaulting Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler. Meler was punched in the face after Koca rushed the field in response to a 97th minute equaliser conceded by Ankaragucu in their Super Lig clash against Rizespor. The incident has sparked outrage and concern from FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina, who has condemned the abuse of officials in football as a “cancer” that may cost football its life. Koca’s resignation comes as a response to the incident, with Collina expressing support for Meler and emphasizing the need to address abuse towards referees at all levels of the game.