The Turkish referee who was punched to the ground and kicked in the head has been seen in hospital for the first time, battered and bruised and wearing a neck brace.

Turkish football descended into chaos - on a night the nation's media labeled as a 'night of shame' - on Monday when MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca launched the vicious attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after his side drew 1-1 against Caykur Rizespor in the Super Lig.

The referee left the pitch last night and said 'it's my fault' as he was escorted away by riot cops before the country's Football Federation shut down the entire league.

Now Meler has been pictured in his hospital bed sporting a black eye among other facial injuries, while there are concerns around his neck after multiple people kicked him while he was on the ground.

Reports from the hospital detail how the bleeding in his left eye has started to decrease and the cheek fracture he sustained will 'gradually heal'. They also said there was no permanent damage following further facial and neurological tests.

Reports added that Meler's blood pressure increased this morning 'due to the stress of the incident'.

It is hoped he will be discharged on Wednesday morning.

The stricken referee received a visit from Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday.

Speaking from outside the hospital where Meler is recovering, a collective statement was made to reporters on behalf of Super Lig referees.

One of the referees, Arda Kardeşler, spoke first and said: 'Everyone saw what happened last night. Our Federation and MHK stated that they would support us in every decision we make after the incident and postponement of the league.

'Our only priority right now is Halil Umut Meler's health and reunion with his family. We stand by Halil Umut Meler. Then, when he regains his health, we will come together as Turkish referees and announce the decisions we will make regarding our future and career.'

Turkey has been rocked by the incident, with the league set for a week-long suspension, although that is expected to have no bearing on Galatasaray's Champions League game away to FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. That game is hugely significant in Manchester United's group.

Shocking images of the on-pitch sucker punch showed President Koca's fist connecting with Meler's cheek beneath his left eye, sending the official to the ground. Others then laid into him with a series of kicks as he curled up on the grass covering his face.

Fans also invaded the pitch after Rizespor scored an equalizer seven minutes into eight minutes of injury time, prompting police to escort the referee to safety.