“Need To Do More” – Wayne Barnes Criticises Abuse Towards Match Officials After Turkish Football Referee Punched

Former test match rugby referee Wayne Barnes, has criticised an act of physical abuse shown towards a football referee in Turkey.

Barnes called out the video, which shows Referee Halil Umat Meler being punched by MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca.

Barnes shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), and called on a need for greater action to be taken, by sport’s governing bodies, prosecuting agencies and social media companies.

Barnes highlighted how “your actions become your habits”, in regards to external abuse towards match officials.

The incident in question took place in the Turkish football Super Lig, when MKE Ankaragucu conceded a goal against rivals Caykur Rizespor.

This 97th minute goal levelled the score to 1-1, and prompted the attack from MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. The Turkish FA have suspended all leagues across the country as a result of the incident.

This is why governing bodies, prosecuting agencies and social media companies need to do more to eradicate abuse in all sports at all levels.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits. https://t.co/jdUWGdxPzf

— Wayne Barnes (@WayneBarnesRef) December 12, 2023

“The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely,” Turkish FA chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi told a news conference. “This attack is a night of shame for Turkish football,” he added (Via BBC Sport).

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Retiring Wayne Barnes ranks the worst rugby players to referee

#5. Joe Marler (England)

BARNES SAID: ” “He was always a funny one on the field in nice way. You’d be trying to tell him something serious and he’d just want to have a laugh and a joke.

“But he does bring a smile to your face. That is what is unique about our sport, the interaction between players and refs and refs and coaches. It does show our sport off in a good light.”

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Joe Marler facts: 

1. Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees
2. After joining the Quins academy in 2008, the prop spent some time on loan to Esher and Worthing
3. He’s been nicknamed Croissant. In his own words, it’s because: “The boys think I have a nose that looks like a French pastry.”
4. Marler was captain for England at U18s level and represented the U20 squad throughout the Junior World Championship in summer 2009
5. He is also one of the hosts of The Joe Marler Show podcast with Tom Fordyce

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