Faruk Koca, the president of Turkish football club Ankaragucu, has been apprehended for assaulting a referee.
The president of Ankaragucu club, Faruk Koca, was ordered to be arrested by a Turkish court on Tuesday. This decision came after he physically assaulted a referee by punching him in the face during the conclusion of a Süper Lig match.
In brief,
Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragucu club, has been arrested for assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler during a S¼per Lig match. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has responded by suspending all leagues in light of this “shameful” incident. Both FIFA President and Turkish President have condemned the violence. Additionally, a Turkish court has ordered the arrest of Koca and remanded two other suspects in connection with the incident.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that Koca and two additional individuals have been officially detained for the offense of “injuring a public official” after the prosecutors presented their statements. Tunc shared on the social media platform X that the investigation is being conducted with great attention to detail.
Additionally, three more suspects have been placed under the supervision of the court. As the match between Rizespor and Eryaman Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, with Rizespor scoring an equalizer in the 97th minute, Koca entered the field and physically assaulted Meler, as captured in the footage aired by the state broadcaster TRT.
Following the game, the pitch was invaded by Ankaragucu fans, resulting in Meler being kicked as he fell. With the assistance of the police, he was eventually able to reach the dressing room. The federation has stated that Ankaragucu, its chairman, club officials, and all those involved in attacking the referee will face severe punishment.
The incidents that occurred after the match have been deemed “completely unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He further emphasized the importance of match officials in football.
Meler, who has been a FIFA referee since 2017, recently officiated Lazio’s Champions League group game against Celtic on November 28. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has expressed that violence is incompatible with sports.
