Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta accused of 'inciting pile-ons' as ex-Premier League official Peter Walton warns horrific Turkey referee assault could happen in England

The Liverpool and Arsenal managers have been vocal critics of officials in the Premier League this season following controversial decisions that went against their team. Arteta has been charged by the Football Association after his tirade against VAR following his team's 1-0 loss to Newcastle. That followed Klopp's blasting of "crazy decisions" as his team saw two players sent off and had a goal incorrectly disallowed as they lost to Tottenham at the end of September.

Former Premier League official Peter Walton believes that criticism from such high-profile figures has a role in encouraging attacks on referees such as the one that occurred in Turkey this week. The Super Lig has been postponed indefinitely after the president of MKE Ankaragucu attacked referee Halil Umut Meler, who was then set upon by players.

Walton wrote in The Times: "Football as a sport has been asking for this for quite some time now. When something like this happens, it puts ideas in people’s heads. Fans, managers, club officials, this has planted the seed, and almost granted a vitriolic licence for others to follow suit."

He added: "In that respect, the timing couldn’t be better. This country is having a reckoning with the abuse of officials and maybe this can be a jumping off point to make meaningful change... Officials need to feel supported at a time like this. Then, maybe the likes of Jürgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta will think twice next time they rush to harangue an official or question his impartiality after the game and incite pile-ons.

"However, words and statements only get you so far. The real truth is that we need to be much harsher in terms of the punishments we dish out. Only then might we see some real change.

"I look at Arteta serving a touchline ban the other day — all he has to do is sit up in the stands instead, shaking hands with everyone. Is that enough of a punishment? I don’t think it is. We need longer bans, points deductions, managers should not be allowed to come to the stadium on match days. These sorts of deterrents send a message, that any form of abuse to officials is wrong and will not be tolerated."

The incident in Turkey will likely lead to harsh punishments for the individuals guilty of attacking the official before the league will resume. The referee was taken to hospital for tests but it was deemed that his life was not in danger and he would be let go on Tuesday morning after the relevant scans were complete.