Halil Umut Meler, a Turkish football referee, has publicly indicated that he will retire following the assault incident that occurred during the 15th round Turkish Championship match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor. The announcement came as a statement to sports officials who visited him while he was receiving care in the hospital, reflecting the emotional and physical toll of the incident. The information was reported by A Spor.
According to the report, Meler conveyed his decision with a clear, terse sentiment: he said he was fed up. The words were shared in a context of medical attention and support from sports officials who checked on him after the attack, underscoring the seriousness of the injuries and the lasting impact of the events on his career. The hospital visit and the exchange were noted as part of the aftermath covered by Turkish sports media. (Source: A Spor)
The match itself, played on December 11, concluded with a 1-1 draw. Ankaragücü and Rizespor traded blows in a tightly contested game, with Rizespor leveling the score in the seventh minute thanks to a goal from Adolfo Gaich, a forward associated with CSKA Moscow through his contractual rights. The on-field result added to a season of mixed results for both teams as the league moved forward with renewed attention to safety and officiating standards. (Source: A Spor)
In the league standings, Ankaragücü sits in 11th place with 18 points, while Rizespor sits eighth with 22 points. The ongoing chase for league leadership sees Fenerbahçe at the top, leading with a comfortable margin as Istanbul clubs continue to search for consistency across the season. These rankings provide context for the teams’ positions as focus shifts to how future matches might address officiating safety and the overall competitive landscape of the Turkish Championship. (Source: A Spor)
Earlier in the Turkish football calendar, there were discussions about whether matches could be postponed or altered in response to the incident, reflecting broader concerns about referee safety in the league. The episode added to ongoing conversations about risk management, stadium security, and the protocols in place to protect match officials during competitive fixtures. (Source: A Spor)