2023-12-13 15:18:28
The video was widely shared on social media. Monday evening, Halil Umut Meler, referee of the Turkish D1 match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor, was lynched just after the final whistle.
Falling to the ground, the game director was beaten by several men, including Faruk Koca, the president of the Ankara club. “His vital prognosis is not engagedsaid Doctor Mehmet Yörübulut, the head doctor of Acibadem Hospital in Ankara, where the referee was transported. There is bleeding around the left eye and a small crack there. » In the process, the Turkish Federation decided to interrupt the championship, before authorizing its resumption, this Wednesday morning, on December 19. For his part, Faruk Koca announced his resignation last night.
“The violence is shocking”
Monday evening, Stéphane Bahoken (31 years old) followed the meeting in front of his television. The Kayserispor striker, currently 3rd in the Turkish championship, cut his post ten minutes from the end of the match. He then became aware of the attack on Halil Umut Meler on his Twitter account. “I was totally shockedhe says. The violence is shocking. On the pitch and towards the refereeing body, it is unimaginable. Even more so when it comes from a president. The latter is supposed to be the one who calms everyone down. These images shocked my entire team, apart from a few Turks who have been playing here for a long time. There were already this kind of incident a few years ago, with the same club. »
The former Nice, Strasbourg and Angers player welcomes the Federation’s decision to interrupt the championship: “It showed that she supported the referees. I hope that in the future there will be no more attacks like this. »
Stéphane Bahoken, here in the Angers Sco jersey in May 2022. | PHOTO: PHILIPPE RENAULT / OUEST-FRANCE See in full screen Stéphane Bahoken, here in the Angers Sco jersey in May 2022. | PHOTO: PHILIPPE RENAULT / WEST-FRANCE
After spending almost his entire career in France – apart from a brief stint in Scotland (five matches, 2013-2014) – Stéphane Bahoken joined the Turkish championship in 2022. Since he set down his bags here, the Ivorian international was able to see the fervor for football in the country of Hakan Sukur. But this is the first time he has witnessed such violence. “When we play away, we know we are going to be insultedhe elaborates. But that’s the worst. I have never been confronted with this type of aggression. »
“In Türkiye, referees are less protected”
Stéphane Bahoken notes some differences in the perception of game directors between France and Turkey. “Here, referees are more criticized and less protected by the clubshe specifies. More people can come and speak to the refereeing body. In France, these exchanges are limited to staff and players. »
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After a short interruption, the Turkish championship will resume next Tuesday. Stéphane Bahoken and Kayserispor travel to Fenerbahçe. For his part, Halil Umut Meler, who has already been an assistant in a Champions League match, should probably not officiate.
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