New Delhi: Former MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca has been sentenced to more than three and a half years in prison after he punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face during a Super Lig game last year. His side had drawn 1-1 with Caykur Rizespor, and for his actions after the match, a Turkish court has ruled against the former executive of the top-tier Turkish club.
In the incident, Meler fell to the ground and was even kicked by the fans who invaded the field after Rizespor scored a final-minute goal to draw the game on December 11, 2023. Meler had to be hospitalised for a while with a small fracture near his eyes. The whole event caused a global backlash, with the Turkish Football Federation suspending all league games for a few weeks.
MKE Ankaragücü Spor Klubü başkanı, eski AKP milletvekili, Erdoğan’ın başbakan iken Keçiören’de oturduğu evin sahibi Faruk Koca, Ankaragücü-Rizespor maçı sonrasında yumruk atarak hakem Umut Melen’i yere düşürüyor. Yere düşen hakeme yerde 10 kişi tekmelerle vuruyor.
Faruk bey, bir… pic.twitter.com/ECGL6j7BvQ
— Ümit Özdağ (@umitozdag) December 11, 2023
A court in Ankara has now convicted Koca of harming a “public official” on purpose and will now serve a three-year and seven-month sentence, according to Turkish news reports. Koca was also convicted for threatening the referee and violating laws that stop any uncivil behaviour in sports.
There have been three others who appeared in front of the court for attacking the referee and have been handed sentences ranging from one to five years in prison. Koca had resigned as the president of the club right after the incident and is expected to appeal against the verdict.
Last year, he was in prison for his actions but was released on bail. The lawyers in the defence of the accused had requested their acquittal. They had claimed that the crimes had taken place due to “unjust provocation.” Ankaragucu were fined $59,000 and were even forced to play five games without fans.
Faruk Koca had punched referee Halil Umut Meler after a game in December of 2023. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
