This selection comes amidst controversy, as Meler was the victim of a shocking attack just six months ago.
Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler will officiate England's game when they face Slovakia in a crucial round of 16 clash on Sunday in the ongoing European Championship.
This selection comes amidst controversy, as Meler was the victim of a shocking attack just six months ago.
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Meler's Story: From Attack to Comeback
In December, during a Turkish league match, Meler was brutally attacked by the president of a club in the country.
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The incident, dubbed a "night of shame" for Turkish football, saw Meler punched in the face by the club president after the game ended in a draw.
Disturbing footage showed Meler being kicked while on the ground before being escorted off the field by riot policemen.
Meler was initially hospitalized with a neck brace, but he displayed remarkable strength recovering swiftly, and was discharged within a day.
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The attack sparked outrage as FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the incident, calling it "unacceptable."
The attacker, the club president, defended himself with a dubious claim that Meler had "thrown himself to the ground."
The Turkish Football Federation sanctioned the club with a hefty fine and instructed that all their games be played behind closed-doors.
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