December 15 – The former president of Turkish top flight club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, has been handed a permanent ban by the Turkish Football Federation for punching a referee that has drawn widespread revulsion.
Koca (pictured right) resigned from his role following the sickening attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after his side’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor on Monday night.
The TFF board also ruled that Ankaragucu must play five matches behind closed doors and pay a £54,000 fine.
On Tuesday a Turkish court ordered the arrest of Koca who has since apologised profusely for his assault, prompted by Rizespor’s 97th minute equaliser. The following day Meler left hospital after being treated for injuries, including a small fracture under his eye.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino joined the condemnation of the attack on Thursday, telling Sky: “Enough is enough and this has to stop. I was shocked when I saw the images like everyone else.
“You can be excited at a match and you can feel for a team but there is no way we can accept anything like that to happen.”
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