Club President Punches Referee and Kicks Him While on the Ground After Top Flight Match
The world of football has been rocked by a shocking incident involving the president of a top Turkish football club. Faruk Koca, president of Ankaragucu, has been detained by police after he was caught on camera punching a referee following his team’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor. The referee, Halil Umut Meler, was left needing hospital treatment after the disgraceful attack, which has sparked outrage and condemnation from all corners of the footballing world. The incident has prompted the Turkish Football Federation to postpone all matches in the country indefinitely, as authorities work to address this alarming display of violence in the sport.
Violent Incident Leads to Postponement of All Matches in Turkish Football Leagues
The president of a top football club in Turkey has been detained by police after assaulting a referee following a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. The Turkish Football Federation has confirmed that all matches in the country have been indefinitely postponed as a result of the shocking incident.
Ankaragucu’s president, Faruk Koca, punched referee Halil Umut Meler after the match on Monday, leaving the official needing hospital treatment. The attack took place after Rizespor snatched a late equaliser, and the game also saw two players sent off.
The footage of the violent assault has sparked widespread condemnation in Turkey, with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Osman Askin Bak, speaking out against the incident. The Ankara Police Department is now working to identify suspects, and reports suggest that Koca will be detained.
The vice president of the Turkish Football Federation, Tunc, has also weighed in on the matter, calling the attack “sad” and emphasizing that it does not reflect the spirit of sports and Turkish football.
Former Premier League player Jonjo Shelvey, who played for Rizespor in the match, as well as Turkish international Umut Nayir, have both condemned the attack, with Nayir criticizing the mentality that puts pressure on referees and disrespects their role in the game.
