The former president of Turkish Süper Lig club Ankaragücü, Faruk Koca, was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for hitting a referee at the end of 2023, the state Anadolu agency reported on Monday.
Faruk Koca was sentenced to three years, seven months and 22 days in prison for intentional injury following a meeting with the Rizespor club on December 11.
READ ALSO. “A big kick in the shin”: a coach suspended for 10 years for violence against a referee
He was also sentenced to six months and twenty days as well as a five-month suspended prison sentence, respectively for threatening and non-compliance with the law on the prevention of violence in sport.
“I’m going to kill you!” »
Mr Koca rushed at referee Halil Umut Meler at the final whistle, punching him violently in the face and screaming. “I’m going to kill you!” ». While the two clubs were tied, the referee had just refused a goal to Ankara.
Two other people also beat the referee, causing head trauma.
READ ALSO. Mercato. Former OL player Rachid Ghezzal relaunches at Caykur Rizespor in Türkiye
Placed in pre-trial detention then released, Mr. Koca, a former deputy, resigned from Ankaragücü.
The attack caused a stir in Türkiye and a barrage of condemnations, including that of the head of Fifa.
The Turkish Football Federation then decided to postpone all championship matches which could not resume eight days later.
Swiss
