Halil Umut Meler, a Turkish referee, was violently attacked by Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu, following a 1-1 Turkish Super Lig match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor on December 11. After issuing red cards to both teams and with Rizespor scoring a late equalizer, Koca stormed onto the pitch at the final whistle and punched the referee, leading to a brawl where Meler was left hospitalized with a neck brace and a black eye. Koca was later arrested and apologized for his actions, but Meler stated he would not forgive the assault. Despite the attack, Meler returned to officiate a match in early January and was applauded during his warm-ups, but he expressed that the incident would stay with him for the rest of his life.
The focus then shifted to Meler’s return to officiating, with him issuing multiple yellow and red cards in subsequent fixtures. Meanwhile, the stage was set for a significant match at Anfield, where Liverpool faced Atalanta. A victory for Liverpool would give them the upper hand in their upcoming match against the Italian side.
