Second-half delayed after referee injures calf

The second half of the football match between Ireland and Bulgaria was delayed by 10 minutes due to an injury to the referee, Umut Meler. During the first half, Meler was seen moving slowly and had to pause the game for treatment. He pointed to his calf while receiving help from a member of the Ireland medical team. Ireland defender Robbie Brady also checked on the referee’s condition. Despite his injury, Meler finished the first half, but he continued to struggle with movement. At halftime, the stadium's public address announced that Meler would not return for the second half. The fourth official, Mehmet Turkmen, took over his duties. The second half finally started at approximately 8:55 PM. Bulgaria was leading the match 1-0, while the overall score was tied at 2-2 after Ireland’s victory in Plovdiv on Thursday.