Turkish club president who punched referee during match gets life ban
Faruk Koca, the president of the Turkish Super Lig club MKE Ankaragucu, has been banned from all footballing activities for life after punching referee Umut Meler during a match against Caykur Rizespor last weekend.
The incident occurred on the cusp of the Turkish top-flight league game between Ankaragucu and Rizespor on Sunday when Mr Koca ran onto the field and punched Mr Meler, a FIFA and elite-listed UEFA referee, in the face several times after his team conceded a late equaliser.
Mr Meler received multiple blows from Mr Koca to the face and fell to the ground, suffering injuries which included minor fractures. He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries before being released on Wednesday.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the suspension of leagues in the country indefinitely as Mr Koca’s action drew worldwide condemnation from the footballing community, including FIFA and the English referee body, PGMOL.
MKE Ankaragucu were fined £54,000 and ordered to play their next five home matches behind closed doors.
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