Turkish referees protest assault of colleague


Sunday's match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahçe descended into chaos after an official was attacked by a fan. An assistant referee, Volkan Bayarslan, was attacked by a fan at Trabzonspor's Super League fixture at home to Fenerbahçe, which was abandoned with a minute remaining. With second-placed Fener leading 4-0, one Trabzonspor supporter pushed and kicked assistant referee Volkan Bayarslan to the ground behind the goal, where the home fans were situated at the Hüseyin Avni Aker Stadium. The game was immediately called off with both sets of players and officials running off the field.The attack has been widely condemned. Bayarslan pressed charges against the attacker and also Turkish referees have decided to protest in support of their colleague. The office of the chief prosecutor in Trabzon has launched an investigation into the event. "A decision on the result will be made by the league's board of directors", the Turkish Football Federation said in a statement.Fenerbahçe are likely to be awarded a win for the game meaning the points difference between themselves and Beşiktaş, the league leaders, will be reduced to three with four weeks to go.