Super Lig official Halil Umut Meler believes ex-Newcastle midfielder Emre Belozoglu had a big role to play in the on-field attack that left him hospitalised.
The Turkish referee was targeted by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the club recently conceded a 97th-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 at home to Rizespor. Meler was punched in the face by the Ankaragucu official and reportedly kicked on the floor immediately after the match, leading to Koca receiving a lifetime suspension from football.
But the overseer's frustrations aren't restricted to Koca alone, and Meler feels there were others who had a prominent hand in his demise on December 11. The UEFA official spent three days in hospital after the attack before returning home, but it's evident the episode will leave its mark.
READ MORE: Turkish Super Lig ref punched to floor by club president and kicked in horrifying scenes
READ MORE: Turkish referee speaks for first time after being pictured in neck brace at hospital
“No I do not forgive [Koca], I will not forgive," said Meler (via The Sun). "I collapsed and fell to the ground. But the actual kicking while I was on the ground will be something I will never forget for the rest of my life.
“That’s why, in conscience, I will never forgive. I will not forgive in any way, I will never forgive those who did it or those who provoked it. I am saying this specifically, I will not forgive those who provoked it or those who did it.”
Speaking of those who provoked the melee, it's Meler's belief Belozoglu did nothing to tame his players or colleagues. In fact, he went so far as to suggest the Ankaragucu chief incited those involved in the violence.
“After blowing the whistle, the players came to thank me. Meanwhile, I saw Belozoglu’s hands and arms [waving]," added the official. Asked whether he felt the former Magpie was involved, Meler replied: "Yes, that is something clearly visible.”
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Belozoglu made 80 appearances for Newcastle across a three-year career at St. James' Park. He hung up his boots in 2020 following a third spell with Fenerbahce and quickly moved into management as interim boss of the Istanbul superpower.
The former Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid midfielder has been quoted in Turkish media saying he apologised to Meler on the field and via his assistants after he was taken for treatment. However, it appears as though those appeals may have fallen on deaf ears.
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