Reaction to Halil Umut Meler in Switzerland
Halil Umut Meler, who officiated the UEFA Nations League match between Switzerland and Denmark that ended 2-2, faced significant backlash for disallowing Switzerland’s third goal. Former FIFA referee Urs Meier also criticized Meler and his assistant.
In the UEFA Nations League Group A match, Switzerland faced Denmark, ending in a 2-2 draw. Switzerland’s goals were scored by Remo Freuler in the 26th minute and Zeki Amdouni from a penalty in the 45th minute, while Denmark’s goals came from Isaksen in the 27th minute and Eriksen in the 69th minute. Galatasaray player Nelsson played for 76 minutes in the match, which resulted in Denmark increasing its points to 7, while Switzerland reached 1 point.
SWITZERLAND’S GOAL DISALLOWED
While the match was tied at 2-2, Switzerland’s goal scored from a header following a corner in the 74th minute was disallowed by Halil Umut Meler after the assistant referee raised his flag, indicating the ball had gone out of play.
“OUR VICTORY WAS PREVENTED”
This decision drew significant reactions from the Swiss press. An article in Blick emphasized that the decision made by Halil Umut Meler and his assistant prevented Switzerland from earning 3 points, harshly criticizing Meler and assistant Ibrahim Çağlar Uyarcan. The article claimed the ball did not cross the line.
URS MEIER: ASSISTANT REFEREE WAS IN THE WRONG POSITION
Former FIFA referee Urs Meier commented on the situation to Blick. He pointed out that the assistant referee was positioned incorrectly at the moment the corner was taken, stating that this situation serves as a lesson.
“The assistant referee is standing at the wrong angle when the corner is taken. When the ball enters play, he steps to his left and raises his flag as the ball goes into the net. It’s impossible for the referee to see that the ball went out from there. Denmark’s goalkeeper Schmeichel also did not protest. The main referee had to adhere to his assistant’s decision here. The lack of adequate footage for VAR due to technological and camera shortcomings also prevented Switzerland from securing the victory.”
