'I wanted to spit in his face' - Turkish Super Lig referee at centre of shocking 'punch in the face' storm told 'slap' wasn't hard & that he 'threw himself to the ground 10 seconds after'

Chaos erupted after MKE Ankaragucu were held to a 1-1 draw by Caykur Rizespor in the Turkish top-flight on Monday. Referee Meler fell to the ground after being punched in the face by Koca, and was then kicked repeatedly by several other offenders, which left him requiring hospital treatment.

MKE Ankaragucu chief Koca released a statement after the incident claiming Meler's reaction was over the top, while also insisting that he did not throw a punch at the official. "During the match, there was great tension in the stadium due to the decisions made by the referee," Koca said to Beyaz TV. "I was very angry because of this. I tried to calm myself down, but after the match ended, I went to the referee and wanted to spit in his face. When I entered the field and went to the referee, I did not punch. I slapped him. The slap I hit the referee sent him to the ground. It was not hard enough to make him fall. The referee stood for 5-10 seconds and then threw himself to the ground. Later, I learned that the referee was beaten. The incident happened like this, I am sorry and regretful for being involved in such an incident."

Meler, a FIFA international games official, sustained injuries that included bleeding around his left eye and a small fracture. The hospital's chief physician assured that there is no immediate threat to his life at the moment, but he will continue to be closely monitored until the morning due to head trauma.

MKE Ankaragucu released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the incident and issued an apology to the Turkish public and the entire sports community. Caykur Rizespor, meanwhile, strongly condemned the events that occurred following their match against Ankaragucu and wished Halil Umut Meler a speedy recovery.

The Turkish FA have confirmed that severe punitive action will be taken against Koca and the other perpetrators amid a complete suspension of the Super Lig schedule. The discussion on possible sanctions is likely to start on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Meler might be released from the hospital on Wednesday morning.