Turkish FA permanently bans Faruk Koca for punching referee

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Turkish Football Federation has announced the ban on MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca for his misconduct when he assaulted match official Halil Umut Meler by punching him in the face.

This is after his club conceded a late minute equaliser against Rizespor ensuring Rizespor would stay four points clear of their hosts after the 1-1 draw.

During the game, Melerr had sent off one player from each side in the Super Lig clash, before allowing an equaliser for opponents Rizespor 

Koca was arrested after he ran on to the pitch and struck Meler following a draw with Caykur Rizespor in the Turkish top-flight.

Ankaragucu has also been fined two million lira (£54,000) and ordered to play five home games without any fans.

Turkish
President of Ankaragucu Faruk Koca, ran into the pitch a punched match official Halil Umut Meler [Photo: Getty]

All Turkish league football was suspended after Monday’s incident.

ALSO READ: Turkish football club president punches referee in the face leading to suspension of the league

The impact of the punch left the ref with a swollen eye and face, Meler received several blows from others as he lay on the turf and suffered injuries including a minor fracture.

The incident quickly reached as far as Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who was quoted in Turkish media condemning the attack.

“I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” said Erdoğan.

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