West Ham’s semi-final ‘prison’ referee has been assaulted in disgraceful scenes as Turkish football is suspended.
The man who oversaw one of the most memorable games in West Ham’s modern history is at the centre of huge controversy in Turkey overnight.
Young UEFA official Halil Umut Meler was named as the referee for West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg clash against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Ahead of that huge game Hammers News warned West Ham about Halil Umut Meler being particularly card happy.
West Ham semi-final ‘prison’ ref assaulted in disgraceful scenes
He lived up to his reputation and left David Moyes, his players and West Ham fans furious with his decisions throughout.
The Hammers were furious as countless fouls on their players went ignored. But West Ham managed to win the game at the London Stadium 2-1 despite falling behind.
After the game ex West Ham star Joe Cole used an extreme example to describe what he saw in West Ham win over AZ Alkmaar.
Cole compared the referee’s approach to being like ‘prison rules’ where anything goes.
The Hammers went on to seal their place in the final when they won the second leg in Holland 1-0 in the dying moments. And the rest as they say is history.
All Turkish football suspended
Now the West Ham semi-final ‘prison’ referee has been assaulted in disgraceful scenes as Turkish football is suspended.
Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler following his side’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in Turkish Super Lig on Monday night.
Video footage shows the assault and the ref was then kicked repeatedly by others during a huge melee while on the floor.
The assault has made world news overnight and Sky Sports reports that two people have been detained while a detention order has been issued for Koca.
‘Inhumane and despicable’
Matches in all Turkish football leagues have been suspended indefinitely by its football association as a result of the incident.
Koca’s side had conceded a 97th-minute equaliser, ensuring Rizespor would stay four points clear of their hosts after the 1-1 draw.
Ankaragucu fans also invaded the pitch after the game and Meler eventually made it to the dressing room with the help of the police following the incident.
In a statement released several hours after full-time, the Turkish Football Federation said it condemned the “inhumane and despicable” attack on the official who took charge of West Ham’s semi-final match.
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