^ ^ Football club president who punched ref in face resigns

MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca reacts as he leaves the field after the team’s Super Lig home match against Caykur Rizespor (Picture: Reuters)

MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca has announced his resignation after his on-pitch attack on referee Halil Umut Meler.

Domestic football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely after the ‘shameful’ and ‘inhumane’ attack on one of the country’s top referees, who was punched to the ground following a Super Lig match on Monday.

Meler was approached on the pitch and hit by Koca, sparking chaotic scenes as players and officials joined the melee or tried to intervene. It has since been confirmed that he has suffered a broken bone as a result of the attack.

Meler had sent off one player from each side, then allowed an equaliser for opponents Caykur Rizespor in the seventh minute of stoppage time to force a 1-1 draw.

Koca, who has been the president of Ankaragucu since 2021, initially claimed he had only intended to spit at the match official but has now stepped down under mounting pressure.

‘I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragucu Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragucu club, Ankaragucu fans, the community I am in and my family,’ Koca said.

‘I hope that this incident, which I, more than anyone else, cannot accept, will be a reason for our sports life, especially our football community, to be purified from mistakes, shortcomings and the culture of violence.

‘At the same time, I hope that the structural problems of Turkish football will be discussed more realistically due to this grave incident that I caused.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to apologize again to everyone I have upset, especially Ankaragucu fans.

‘I would like it to be known that I am deeply saddened that both the club I manage, the football community, and our country are remembered with such an event and image.’

The 37-year-old Meler is on UEFA’s elite list is currently recovering in hospital having been left with a fractured eye socket.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also weighed in to denounce the aggression.

‘There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field,’ he said.
‘Events following the Turkish Super Lig match between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor are totally unacceptable and have no place in our sport or society.

‘Without match officials there is no football. Referees, players, fans and staff have to be safe and secure to enjoy the game, and I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is strictly implemented and respected at all levels.’

More to follow…