Life time ban

ISTANBUL – Former MKE Ankaragucu president, who punched Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler, has learnt his fate after football federation decided the punishment.

Faruk Koca has been handed a permanent ban by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for assaulting the UEFA Elite panel referee. During the match, Meler sent off one player from each side, leading to a 1-1 draw with Rizespor equalising in injury time. Koca ran onto the pitch after the game, punched the referee, and further violence ensued as others kicked Meler while on the ground.

The TFF announced several penalties including fines of 63 000 Euros for Ankaragucu and a five-game behind-closeddoors order. Matches across all Turkish leagues were suspended

Former MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca, who punched Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler has been handed a permanent ban by the Turkish Football Federation. after the assault and they are set to resume next Tuesday.

Koca, who was subsequently arrested, announced his resignation as president via the Ankaragucu website. The country’s Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, stated on Tuesday that Koca had been arrested for ‘injuring and threatening a public servant’.

Meler has been discharged from the hospital and he has assured that there ‘is no problem with my health’. Mehmet Buykeksi, the TFF chief, has vowed that Meler will soon return to action when he gets fit contrary to speculation that the official was ready to quit his profession. He took charge of a Champions League game between Lazio and Celtic on November 28, and is expected to officiate in the European Championship finals in Germany in 2024.