Ex-Turkish Soccer Club President Jailed for Referee Assault

Faruk Koca receives a prison sentence for attacking a referee during a match, leading to global outrage and league suspension.

Faruk Koca, former president of MKE Ankaragucu, was sentenced to three years and seven months for assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler.
The attack occurred after a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor in December 2023, following a last-minute equalizer.
Koca punched Meler in the face, causing him to fall, and the referee was subsequently kicked by others.
The Turkish Football Federation suspended league games for several weeks due to the incident.
Ankaragucu was fined and required to play five home games without fans, while Koca resigned and faces a lifetime ban from football.