Turkish Soccer Club President Arrested For Socking Referee After Game

The president of a high-level Turkish soccer membership was arrested on Tuesday … after he socked a referee proper within the face following a match on Monday.

Faruk Koca, who was elected as Ankaragucu soccer membership’s prez in 2021, was seen on video attacking the official after his squad’s Tremendous Lig residence sport towards Rizespor at Eryaman Stadium.

Cameras confirmed that proper after the ultimate whistle sounded on the 1-1 draw, Koca sprinted onto the sphere and threw an enormous punch that landed flush with Halil Umut Meler‘s left eye.

Meler instantly fell to the bottom in ache — and whereas he was down on the turf, video exhibits he was then kicked within the head a number of occasions as effectively. He finally bought up — and after he was seen with a black eye, he was taken to the hospital the place he was recognized with a facial fracture.

On Tuesday morning, Koca was arrested over the incident … with Turkish official Yilmaz Tunc accusing the soccer prez of “injuring and threatening a public servant due to his public duty.”

The opposite people who allegedly kicked the ref had been additionally arrested, Tunc introduced.

In an announcement launched later Tuesday, Koca apologized for his actions … whereas revealing he’ll now resign from his place.

“As someone who has always taken constructive initiatives in this direction since the day I became the MKE Ankaragücü Presidency, I feel great embarrassment for having caused the creation of an exactly opposite environment,” Koca mentioned.

“I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragücü Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragücü club, Ankaragücü fans, the community I am in and my family.”

Koca added, “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.”