On Monday, November 11, 2024, a former leader of Turkey’s Super Lig football club was sentenced to more than three years in prison for assaulting a referee during a match.
The incident occurred in December 2023 following a 1-1 draw between MKA Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor.
In footage of the event, Faruk Koca, then-president of Ankaragücü, is seen charging onto the field and punching referee Halil Umut Meler after the final whistle, shouting, “I’m going to kill you!” Koca’s outburst was triggered by the referee’s decision to issue a red card to one of his players and to disallow a goal.
In response to the attack, the Turkish Football Federation condemned Koca’s actions, suspended Super Lig matches for eight days, and initiated legal proceedings against Koca and others involved.
Koca later issued an apology and resigned from his position, though he maintained that his team had been unfairly treated.
The court sentenced Koca to three years and seven months for injuring a public official, along with six months for making threats.
Additionally, he received a five-month suspended sentence for violating laws against sports violence.
The referee, who was punched and kicked by other club officials, sustained head injuries.
Three additional individuals involved in the attack received prison sentences ranging from one to five years.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in Turkey and was strongly condemned by FIFA.
