Ex-Ankaragucu President Denies Death Threats in Court

Faruk Koca, facing up to 13 years in prison, regrets attacking referee but denies threatening his life.

Faruk Koca, former president of MKE Ankaragucu, has been charged with causing wilful injury to a public official, threatening an official and violating a law relating to the prevention of violence in sports.
Koca attacked referee Halil Umut Meler on Dec. 11 after a 1-1 draw between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor, causing a minor fracture close to Meler's eye.
Meler has accused Koca of threatening to kill him during the attack, a claim Koca denies.
Koca faces up to 13 years in prison if found guilty and the trial has been adjourned until Feb. 28.
The attack prompted the Turkish Football Federation to suspend all league games for a week, impose a permanent ban on Koca, and fine Ankaragucu 2 million lira ($69,000). Ankaragucu has also been forced to play five home games without fans.