Meireles handed 11-match ban

Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles has been suspended for 11 games after being found guilty of spitting at the referee following his dismissal in the derby clash with Galatasaray.

Last Updated: 21/12/12 at 15:02 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Turkish Super Lig. Click here to bet.

Raul Meireles: Denies the charges issued by the Turkish Football Federation

Raul Meireles: Denies the charges issued by the Turkish Football Federation

The Portugal international, who joined Fener from Chelsea in the summer, was sent-off after collecting a second yellow card in the 2-1 defeat.

Referee Halis Ozkahya accused Meireles of not only spitting at him as he challenged the decision but also directing a homosexual gesture in his direction, claims denied by the player.

Meireles said: "I'm really annoyed at being accused of spitting at the referee. I have an eight-year-old child, can you imagine if kids at school start saying your father spat at a referee? This could ruin my reputation in the eyes of my child.

"I have many gay friends who I deeply respect. The hand gesture I made is directed at the referee caving in to the pressure of the home fans.

"That hand gesture was to tell him he was scared. Look at my hairstyle, what I wear, I'm not a prejudicial person, my hand gesture was in no way, shape or form a homophobic one.

"I don't know what the hand gesture for calling somebody gay is in Turkey but what I did was entirely based around the referee being a coward and bowing to the pressure.

"The referee's accusations are outrageous and defamatory. I will be taking legal action against him to prove my innocence."

The Turkish Football Federation have stood by Ozkahya's version of events, however.

Fener issued a statement indicating they would appeal, calling the punishment "unfair, unfounded and not acceptable".

Bet with SkyBet  Turkish Super Lig. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Hodgson waits on Cleverley

England are waiting to find out if Tom Cleverley will be fit to face Republic of Ireland and Brazil after calling Jack Rodwell into the squad.

Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Liverpool are lining up a free transfer move for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, according to reports on Monday evening.

Comeback seals title for United

Manchester United completed a second-half comeback to win the inaugural Barclays Premier League Under-21 title with a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved