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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
Dorian Jones

Attack on football referee exposes anti-elite resentment in divided Turkey

The referee Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground at the end of the Super Lig home match against Caykur Rizespor on 11 December 2023. © REUTERS - DEPO PHOTOS

The assault of a referee at a Turkish professional football match has drawn international condemnation and the unprecedented suspension of all league games. But it's also brought into focus the wider spectre of violence against public officials in Turkish society, which some blame on the polarising politics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

After a week-long suspension, Turkish football supporters returned to the stadiums a few days ago.

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