Ankaragücü Calls Koca’s Sentence “Unfair” After Referee Attack

Ankaragücü has publicly defended its former president Faruk Koca after his recent prison sentencing for assaulting a referee. Koca, 60 was sentenced by an Ankara court to three years and seven months in prison for “intentionally wounding a public official” after he struck referee Halil Umut Meler in the face during a post-match altercation. The incident which took place after Ankaragücü’s 1-1 draw with Rizespor in December 2023 left Meler with a fractured eye socket.

Three additional individuals reportedly kicked the referee after he fell with each receiving suspended sentences ranging from 15 months to five years. In addition to Koca’s primary sentence, he received a suspended term of less than a year for making threats and violating anti-violence laws in sports. Koca had resigned and publicly apologized following the assault which led the Turkish Football Federation to impose a one-week suspension on all matches in the country.

They also permanently banned Koca from football activities. Ankaragücü faced sanctions as well including a 2 million lira (£54,000) fine and an order to play five home games without fans. Ankaragücü’s current chairman, Ismail Mert Firat, issued a statement expressing disappointment over Koca’s sentence, arguing it was “impossible to interpret with good intentions” and attributing the verdict to biased public pressure.

Firat maintained that Koca, whom the club lauded as a “legend” for his contributions to Turkish football did not commit any disgraceful crime. The club insisted the punishment was excessive, especially given Koca’s resignation and apology. All four defendants including Koca, plan to appeal the ruling. Koca will not serve his sentence until a higher court reviews the appeal.