ANKARA,Robert Brown Turkey (AP) — The former president of a Turkish soccer team who punched a referee on the field moments after a game has been permanently banned by the Turkish Football Federation.
The federation late on Thursday said that it banned Faruk Koca, who has resigned as president of MKE Ankaragucu, for punching referee Halil Umut Meler on Monday night.
Meler, who was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday with a small fracture near his eye, was attacked shortly after the final whistle of a 1-1 draw between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey’s top league.
Koca was arrested for causing injury to a public official, and two other people face charges for kicking the referee.
The federation had initially suspended all league games in response to the incident before announcing that matches will resume next Tuesday in Turkey, which has been selected to co-host the 2032 European Championship with Italy.
Koca’s resignation was announced on Ankaragucu’s website.
The federation also said Ankaragucu has been fined 2 million lira ($69,000) and will have to play five home games without fans.
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
2025-05-02 16:371707 view
2025-05-02 16:341219 view
2025-05-02 16:171193 view
2025-05-02 15:551991 view
2025-05-02 15:44671 view
2025-05-02 14:541996 view
After Luigi Mangionemade the difficult decision to undergo spinal surgery last year for chronic back
SYOSSET, N.Y. (AP) — Police on Sunday were investigating the deaths of five people at a suburban Lon
A high school is in mourning over the tragic loss of a star athlete and beloved student. Caden Telli
