Ex-Turkish Soccer Exec Gets Prison for Referee Attack

Faruk Koca, former president of Turkish football club MKE Ankaragucu, has been sentenced to over three and a half years in prison for attacking referee Halil Umut Meler after a draw against Caykur Rizespor in December 2023. The assault, which included punching and kicking, occurred after Rizespor scored a late equaliser, leading to fans invading the pitch. This incident, which left Meler with a small facial fracture, caused global outrage and resulted in the temporary suspension of Turkish league games. Alongside Koca's conviction for 'intentionally wounding a public official', three others received prison sentences ranging from one to five years. Koca plans to appeal the verdict, with his lawyers citing 'unjust provocation' as a defense. Ankaragucu was fined 2 million Turkish Lira and sanctioned to play five home games without fans.