Turkish Football Federation Issues Lifetime Ban to Former Ankaragucu President for Referee Assault
Turkish Football Federation Issues Lifetime Ban to Former Ankaragucu President for Referee Assault
Turkish Football Federation Issues Lifetime Ban to Former Ankaragucu President for Referee Assault
Turkey's football federation has imposed a lifetime ban on the former president of Ankaragucu following his physical altercation with a referee after a recent match. Faruk Koca, who led the club, was also fined 60,000 euros ($66,000), and Ankaragucu has been instructed to play five home matches without spectators.
The incident occurred when Koca rushed onto the pitch with a group of men after Ankaragucu's draw with Caykur Rizespor on Monday. Koca threw a punch at referee Halil Umut Meler following the final whistle. In response to the violence, the Turkish football federation's disciplinary board took swift action, imposing the severe penalties on the club and its former president.
Faruk Koca resigned from his position amid widespread condemnation, leading to a suspension of all Turkish league matches until December 19. The altercation unfolded due to the referee's decision to send off one of Ankaragucu's players and awarding a stoppage-time goal. Referee Meler was kicked multiple times and later hospitalized with a swollen eye, although he has since been discharged.
"Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence," emphasized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a social media statement on Monday. Additionally, reports from Turkish press indicate that Koca has also resigned from Erdogan's ruling AKP party.
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