Turkish Super Lig referee Halil Umut Meler has spoken out for the first time since he was punched in the face by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca.
Meler has been released from hospital after three days where he was undergoing treatment for an eye fracture after he was attacked by MKE Ankaragucu president Koca following his team’s match against Caykur Rizespor.
He was punched in his face and was then kicked all over his body while he lay on the turf at the end of the game.
However, the 37-year-old confirmed he is in good health and informed being in touch with UEFA regarding the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Meler said: “There is no problem with my health.
“They called me from UEFA. There is no situation at the moment, everything is possible.
“I just want to go home and rest.”
Whereas, Ankara hospital’s chief physician informed: “He is in good spirits.
“He will have control wherever he goes [next].
“Also,He has no problem except for a small swelling under his eye.
“We put on a neck brace for precautionary purposes.
“The [cheek] fracture will heal in time, it was a small fracture anyway.
“There is no more bleeding.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the incident as ‘totally unacceptable” In contrast, offender Koca defended himself, suggesting Meler had “thrown himself to the ground.”
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The Turkish Super Lig was postponed indefinitely in the wake of the attack.
The federation has revealed that the games will return on December 19 after a brief pause of one week.
