WATCH: Turkish football leagues kicked shut after club official punches referee Halil Umut Meler

In a shocking turn of events, all Turkish football leagues have been suspended following an appalling incident where Halil Umut Meler, a prominent Turkish referee, was physically assaulted by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca. 

The assault occurred on Monday after Koca ran onto the pitch in response to his team conceding a last-minute equaliser in a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor.

"The matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely," announced Turkish Football Federation [TFF] chairman Mehmet Buyukeksi during a press conference, declaring the incident as a "night of shame for Turkish football."

Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemned the violence, stating, "Without match officials, there is no football." He emphasised the need for safety in the sport, urging authorities to enforce and respect security measures at all levels.

The repercussions of the attack were severe, as Meler, a respected 37-year-old referee, suffered multiple blows and sustained injuries, including a minor fracture. The chaos extended beyond the assault, leading to clashes among players and club officials.

Faruk Koca, after receiving treatment in the hospital, is set to face detention procedures, according to Turkey's minister of internal affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, who strongly condemned the incident. Several others involved in the assault have been arrested.

Meler, known for officiating international games for Fifa and being on Uefa's elite referee list, is receiving medical attention for his injuries. 

Dr Mehmet Yorubulut, the chief physician of the hospital treating Meler, assured that there is currently no life-threatening situation, with the referee expected to be discharged after further examinations in the morning.

The attack forced President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — a one-time football player whose love for the game has helped boost top Turkish clubs — to issue a late-night call to defuse the situation.

"Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence," he said in a social media statement.