The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President, Kalyan Chaubey, has strongly condemned the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler in the Turkish Super Lig, calling it a despicable assault that cannot be tolerated. The incident occurred on Monday, when Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca stormed onto the pitch and punched Meler following his teams draw with Rizespor. In an official statement issued by the AIFF, Chaubey expressed his outrage, The AIFF condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent attack on match official Halil Umut Meler in the Turkish Super Lig. This act of violence and disrespect has no place in football, regardless of any perceived performance issues.Effects on Indian youthChaubey also emphasised the importance of protecting match officials and promoting a culture of respect within the game, especially in India where efforts are being made to attract young talent to the refereeing profession.As we work to grow football in India and encourage our youth to consider refereeing, such incidents must be prevented at all costs, he stated. These acts not only tarnish the image of the sport but also highlight a concerning lack of respect towards those who serve it with dedication and integrity.Furthermore, the AIFF President urged everyone involved in Indian football, from players and coaches to fans and administrators, to uphold the values of fair play and respect for officials.I urge everyone in our footballing community to remember the importance of respecting and protecting match officials on all occasions. Their role is crucial to ensuring fair and safe competition, and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, Chaubey concluded.The incident in Turkey serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance and action to create a more positive and respectful environment for all involved in the sport.
