Football's dark side: The most horrific attacks on referees

In the beautiful game of football, referees tend to get the short end of the stick. Questioned by fans, players, and coaches, they endure a lot of hate. Emotions run high on the pitch, sometimes leading to violence.

Most recently, the Turkish Super League was suspended after horrific scenes during the Ankaragucu-Rizespor fixture. Faruk Koca, Ankaragucu's president entered the field and hit the referee Halil Meler in the face after a late 1-1 draw!

Halil Meler is regarded as one of the best officials in the Turkish Super League, who also referees in some international competitions.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended all league games and a court ordered the arrest of Ankaragucu's president, Faruk Koca.

Two other individuals are under investigation following some images that displayed Halil Umut Meler being kicked while on the ground.

Violence in football has decreased over the years due to intensive crackdowns and strict stadium regulations. Nevertheless, violent incidents tend to happen in popular leagues. Aleksandar Mitrovic was involved in a violent incident, where he pushed the referee during an FA Cup fixture against Manchester United.

Chris Kavanagh, the designated referee was pushed by the Fulham striker which resulted in an eight-game suspension and an €87,000 ($93,000) fine!

The most gruesome attack on a referee happened in Brazil back in 2013 during an amateur football game. Otavio Jordao da Silva, a 20-year-old Brazilian amateur referee fell victim to a deadly attack.

The referee was lynched, beheaded, and quartered by football spectators after he allegedly stabbed a player to death in a match he officiated in 2013.

The incident occurred in Maranhao, Brazil, where da Silva sent off player Josemir dos Santos (31), but refused to leave the pitch. The referee went on to attack the player, which resulted in the death of dos Santos. After the stabbing incident, fans invaded the pitch and stoned da Silva to death. They even put his head on a stake in the pitch!

The beautiful game of football is emotional and at times very heated. Nevertheless, there is no room for violence in a sport that embodies comradery and respect. What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch!