Football referee says 'it's my fault' after being punched and kicked before being saved by police
Football referee Halil Umut Meler was punched during a match on Monday night
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Referee Halil Umut Meler has said it's his own fault he was attacked on the pitch on Monday night.
The official was punched by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Caykur Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Koca stormed the pitch and hit Meler's cheek beneath his left eye, with the referee then falling to the ground.
He sustained a cheek fracture and was saved by riot police, who rushed onto the field to come to his aid.
Football referee Halil Umut Mele was viciously assaulted during a Turkish Super Lig match
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Meler was also kicked while he lay down on the floor.
Fans invaded the pitch after Rizespor's late leveller - but it appears the referee thinks he was to blame for the violent scenes.
Turkish media, per the Daily Mail, quote Meler as saying: "Thank you, it's my fault."
It is not clear whether he was apologising for the large amount of injury time - or his decision to send off two players.
While Meler was taken hospital, his attacker Koca was as well.
This was reportedly as a precaution, with the Ankaragucu chief said to suffer from heart problems.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has claimed he will be taken into custody once he's received treatment.
Other reports have said Koca had been sent to an Ankara courthouse along with six others.
Spor Arena say he and three other individuals have been arrested.
Turkish football has been suspended in the aftermath of the attack.
And the Turkish FA released a statement saying: "We are following Halil Umut Meler's health condition closely and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.
"This inhumane and despicable attack was made against all stakeholders of Turkish Football.
"Everyone who has targeted referees and encouraged crimes against referees is complicit in this despicable crime.
"The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today.
"In coordination with our state, all criminal proceedings deserved have been initiated against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.
"The responsible club, the club President, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.
"By the decision of the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also condemned the attack, saying: "Without match officials there is no football.
"Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels."
It is currently unclear when matches in Turkey will resume.
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Football referee Halil Umut Meler sported a black eye after being attacked on the field of play
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Ankaragucu have apologised for the actions of Koca, while also saying they were 'saddened' by the scenes that unfolded.
"As MKE Ankaragucu Sports Club, we are saddened by the incident that took place this evening.
"We apologise to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Caykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium."
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