José Fontelas Gomes, President of the FPF Arbitration Council, this Wednesday opened the door to the possibility of Turkish referees being able to officiate football matches in Portugal, including the top league. The scenario was created after the attack on Halil Umut Meler, a referee who was brutally punched and kicked by President Ankaragucu, which led to the suspension of the Turkish League. Since then the scenario has changed.
Fontelas Gomes’ idea was, in addition to a sense of solidarity, to ensure that the Turkish international judges maintained a competitive rhythm so that they would not be affected by the stoppage. But yesterday afternoon the Turkish Football Federation announced that the championship would resume next Tuesday (December 19).
However, the position of the Turkish referees is unknown as they may refuse to return to the pitch in Turkey until further security measures are guaranteed.
Author: Mario Pereira
Source: CM Jornal
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