Justice has been served on Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca for assaulting center-referee Halil Umut Meler after a Super Lig match.
It is a grim and horrific incident on Monday, December 11, 2023 when Faruk Koca attacked Halil Umut Meler after his club Ankaragucu were held to a last-gasp 1-1 draw by Rizespor.
Koca grew furious at the blast of the final whistle, and viciously attacked Meler, punching him in the face before the latter fell to the ground.
A warrant for the arrest of Koca was issued by Turkey's Minister of Justice on Tuesday and was followed up by a lifetime ban from the Turkish Football Federation.
Koca resigned from his role as Ankaragucu chief on Tuesday in light of his heinous act, which he offered no excuses for.
He said: “I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragucu Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragucu club, Ankaragucu fans, the community I am in and my family.
“I hope that this incident, which I, more than anyone else, cannot accept, will be a reason for our sports life, especially our football community, to be purified from mistakes, shortcomings and the culture of violence.
“At the same time, I hope that the structural problems of Turkish football will be discussed more realistically due to this grave incident that I caused.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to everyone I have upset, especially Ankaragucu fans.
“I would like it to be known that I am deeply saddened that both the club I manage, the football community, and our country are remembered with such an event and image.”
Koca initially denied punching Meler, who was left with a fractured cheek, insisting he merely slapped the official.
He said: “My aim was to react verbally to the referee and spit in his face.
“At this time, I slapped the referee in the face. The slap I gave did not cause a fracture.
“After the slap I gave, the referee stood for about 5-10 seconds, then threw himself on the ground.
“They immediately removed me from the scene because of my heart disease. Other than that, I am not aware of any incident that took place.”
Meler was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries and is gradually recovering following adept medical attention.
It is a grim and horrific incident on Monday, December 11, 2023 when Faruk Koca attacked Halil Umut Meler after his club Ankaragucu were held to a last-gasp 1-1 draw by Rizespor.
Koca grew furious at the blast of the final whistle, and viciously attacked Meler, punching him in the face before the latter fell to the ground.
A warrant for the arrest of Koca was issued by Turkey's Minister of Justice on Tuesday and was followed up by a lifetime ban from the Turkish Football Federation.
Koca resigned from his role as Ankaragucu chief on Tuesday in light of his heinous act, which he offered no excuses for.
He said: “I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragucu Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragucu club, Ankaragucu fans, the community I am in and my family.
“I hope that this incident, which I, more than anyone else, cannot accept, will be a reason for our sports life, especially our football community, to be purified from mistakes, shortcomings and the culture of violence.
“At the same time, I hope that the structural problems of Turkish football will be discussed more realistically due to this grave incident that I caused.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to everyone I have upset, especially Ankaragucu fans.
“I would like it to be known that I am deeply saddened that both the club I manage, the football community, and our country are remembered with such an event and image.”
Koca initially denied punching Meler, who was left with a fractured cheek, insisting he merely slapped the official.
He said: “My aim was to react verbally to the referee and spit in his face.
“At this time, I slapped the referee in the face. The slap I gave did not cause a fracture.
“After the slap I gave, the referee stood for about 5-10 seconds, then threw himself on the ground.
“They immediately removed me from the scene because of my heart disease. Other than that, I am not aware of any incident that took place.”
Meler was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries and is gradually recovering following adept medical attention.