Turkish football has a long-standing reputation for fan violence.
One of the more disgusting examples of supporter passion crossing over into barbarity came on Sunday towards the end of the Super Lig clash between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce.
Trabzonspor were on the losing end of a 4-0 scoreline at home when the humiliation got too much for one “fan” who took to the pitch and shoulder-charged the assistant referee behind one of the goals.
OHA pic.twitter.com/CoCWMo7I4U
— Mustafa Önder (@vatskenayduu) April 24, 2016
As the official sprawled on to the grass, the assailant let fly with a horrifyingly dangerous kick that almost landed to his head.
The attacker managed to land a number of punches before being hauled away by security.