Turkish football referee physically attacked by club president
During a Turkish Super Lig match, Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca attacked referee Halil Umut Meler, leading to hospitalization and arrests amid a backlash against sports violence.
The Turkish Super Lig clash between MKE Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor ended with a 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium. In the 50th minute, Ankaragucu were down to 10 men as Ali Sowe received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Çaykur Rizespor rescued a late draw with a close-range goal from Adolfo Gaich.
In the 95th minute, Çaykur Rizespor's Emirhan Topcu received a red card.
After the match, chaos erupted on the field when MKE Ankaragucu President Faruk Koca physically attacked the referee, Halil Umut Meler. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance following the attack. Some Ankaragucu fans supported Koca and cheered during the incident. A few of them even entered the field from the stands, leading to intervention by security guards.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on X that Koca was receiving treatment at a hospital under police supervision, adding that “detention procedures will be carried out after the treatment." Yerlikaya also stated that two other individuals who kicked Meler in the head during the incident were detained on the instructions of the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
MELER FILED A COMPLAINT
After the attack, Halil Umut Meler, who was taken to the hospital, stated the officials of the Ankara Police Sports Security Branch following examinations. Having watched the footage, Meler, after giving his statement, filed a complaint against everyone involved in the attack.
FARUK KOCA ARRESTED
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has announced the arrest of MKE Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca and suspects Ş. Y. Ş. and K. Ç. They are charged with causing injury leading to fractures to a public official while performing their duties in the sports field. Following their legal proceedings, Faruk Koca, Ş.Y.Ş., and K.Ç. were transferred to Sincan Prison.
Additionally, R. K., Ö.O.Ü, and V.D. were detained after video analysis showed they entered the field at the end of the match. However, since investigations revealed no actions against the match referee from these suspects, the authorities requested judicial control measures for them.
