Former President of Turkish Club Ankaragucu Receives Permanent Ban for Attacking Referee

The Turkish Football Federation has issued a permanent ban to Faruk Koca, the former president of top-flight club Ankaragucu, for physically assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler. Koca resigned from his position following the shocking incident.

Attack on Referee Halil Umut Meler

The attack occurred during a Super Lig match between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor. With the scores level at 1-1 in stoppage time, Meler had sent off one player from each team. Following the final whistle, Koca ran onto the pitch and punched Meler in the face.

Furthermore, an unidentified individual kicked Meler in the head, resulting in his hospitalization. As a result of these events, all matches in Turkey have been indefinitely suspended.

Meler was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after receiving treatment for injuries, including a small fracture under his eye.

Disciplinary Measures and FIFA President’s Response

In response to the incident, Faruk Koca was arrested and subsequently banned by the Turkish Football Federation. Ankaragucu has also been fined £54,000 and ordered to play five games behind closed doors, among other sanctions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his condemnation of the attack, stating, “Enough is enough and this has to stop. I was shocked when I saw the images like everyone else. You can be excited at a match and you can feel for a team, but there is no way we can accept anything like that to happen.”

Conclusion

The permanent ban imposed on Faruk Koca by the Turkish Football Federation serves as a strong message against violence in football. It is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and well-being of players, officials, and fans to maintain the integrity of the sport.