England fans in meltdown over controversial referee who ‘loves cards more than Moonpig’ in Slovakia clash

REFEREE Umut Meler booked four players in just 17 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia.

The 37-year-old Turkish whistler was the man in the middle in the round of 16 tie.

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He was quickly in the thick of the action, flashing his yellow card at seemingly every opportunity during the opening exchanges.

Marc Guehi received a yellow card after three minutes, being penalized for a foul after being sold short by Kieran Trippier’s errant pass.

Kobbie Mainoo was the next to receive a yellow card, after stepping on Ondrej Duda.

A first Slovak then entered the books, with former Watford ace Juraj Kucka punished.

The barrage of yellow cards was completed in the 17th minute when Jude Bellingham was penalized for a late challenge on Lukas Haraslin.

Fans were surprised by the referee’s happy display.

One wrote on social media: “This referee loves cards more than Moonpig.”

While a second joked: “This referee has lost control haha.”

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A third complained: “The referee is spamming yellow cards for no reason.”

And a fourth complained: “This referee is terrible, he’s going to ruin the game.”

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And another added: “This referee is too eager to get a yellow card.”

Meler is at Euro 2024 after a tumultuous season at club level.

In December, he was shockingly attacked on the pitch by Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca after the board member’s team drew 1-1 with Rizespor.

He was later seen looking beaten and bruised in the hospital, but he soon recovered and returned to action movingly.

Things soon went from bad to worse for England as they trailed by a goal in the 25th minute following a point-blank shot from Ivan Schranz.

Meler’s first-half wave of yellows was added to in stoppage time, with Milan Skriniar going into the books for a foul on Bellingham.

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