The former president of Turkish soccer team MKE Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, has been permanently banned by the Turkish football Federation after punching referee Halil Umut Meler on the field. The incident occurred after a 1-1 draw between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor. Meler suffered a small fracture near his eye but has been discharged from the hospital. Koca was arrested for causing injury to a public official, and two others are facing charges for kicking the referee. The federation initially suspended all league games but has announced that matches will resume next Tuesday. Ankaragucu has been fined 2 million lira and will have to play five home games without fans. Koca has resigned as president of the team. Turkey, which has been selected to co-host the 2032 European Championship with Italy, will be hosting the games.
Reuters | Ankaragucu former president Faruk Koca reacts as the referee Halil Umut Meler lies on the ground at the end of their Super Lig home match against Caykur Rizespor
The Turkish Football Federation has permanently banned Faruk Koca, the former president of a Turkish soccer team, for punching referee Halil Umut Meler on the field after a game. Koca, who has resigned as president of MKE Ankaragucu, was attacked shortly after the final whistle of a 1-1 draw between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey’s top league. Referee Meler, who suffered a small fracture near his eye, has been discharged from the hospital. Koca was arrested for causing injury to a public official, while two others face charges for kicking the referee. The federation initially suspended all league games but later announced that matches will resume next Tuesday. Ankaragucu has been fined 2 million lira ($69,000) and will play five home games without fans. Turkey has been selected to co-host the 2032 European Championship with Italy. Koca’s resignation was announced on Ankaragucu’s website.
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