Star players such as Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa and Bright Ossai-Samuel will no longer play soccer in Turkey after the Turkish federation suspended all league matches in the country, Soccernet.ng reports. Ta.
TFF announces suspension of all league games following Ankaraguk president Faruk Koca’s embarrassing night in which he punched a referee in the face towards the end of a Super Lig home game against Rizespor did.
Olimpiu Mortan gave Ankaraguk the lead in the 14th minute. However, the home side’s joy did not last long as referee Khalil Umut Mellor sent off striker Ali Sowe at the start of the second half.
Rizespor was also reduced to 10 men in the final stages of the match as defender Emir Khan Topči received his marching orders. However, substitute Adolfo Gaich saved another goal in stoppage time.
The end of the match was not welcomed by many home fans, but it was club president Faruk Koca who did the unthinkable.
Ankaraguk’s managing director entered the field and gave referee Halil Umut Mellor a right punch to the left eye.
Several club officials kicked the referee as he fell to the ground, but then players and staff from both teams formed a protective ring around him, and police escorted him back to the locker room. .
The country’s main soccer association condemned the attack in no uncertain terms and promised harsh penalties for all involved.
“The Turkish Football Association has decided to suspend all matches in all leagues indefinitely,” the association posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“All those guilty of attacking the affected clubs, club presidents, club officials and referee Umut Mellor will be punished with the harshest penalties.”
This development means there may not be any matches for Nigerian players in Turkey this weekend.
Onuachu was there last weekend when Trabzonspor won 3-1 against Gaziantep FK. Ahmed Moussa was on the bench as Sivasspor earned a narrow 1-0 away win against Konyaspor.
The clever Osai-Samuel impressed for Fenerbahce, helping them defeat hosts Besiktas 3-1.
Fisayo Dele Bashir could not help Hatayspor avoid a 1-0 defeat in Istanbul Basaksehir.
