In a shocking incident that unfolded in Turkish football, Faruk Koca, the president of Ankaragücü, physically attacked referee Halil Umut Meler after a 1-1 draw against Çaykur Rizespor.
Koca under arrest
Faruk Koca, previously honored with the Fair Play President/Manager Award last season, is a founding member of President Erdoğan’s party AKP, for which he served as a Member of Parliament from the nation’s capital of Ankara from 2002 to 2011.
Faruk Koca, hospitalized due to the risk of a heart attack after the attack, was later discharged and taken to court. Koca, along with two others, was subsequently arrested by the court.
In his defense, Koca denied the accusations, claiming his intention was to spit on the referee and that the slap he delivered would not cause a fracture.
Erdoğan wishes Meler to get well
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya visited Halil Umut Meler in the hospital, conveying the well-wishes of President Erdoğan, who also called Meler during the visit.
Yerlikaya, in a statement after the hospital visit, expressed hope for an end to violence in sports, emphasizing faith in the ongoing legal process. President Erdoğan, during Yerlikaya’s visit, called Meler to convey his wishes for a speedy recovery, condemning the attack.
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Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that Faruk Koca and two others were arrested, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Meler in stable condition
Hospital Chief Dr. Mehmet Yörübulut provided a health update on Meler, stating that the bleeding in his left eye was under control, and that he had not suffered any permanent damage to the brain. Dr. Yörübulut stated that Meler could be discharged the following day.
The incident continues to unfold with legal proceedings underway, as Turkish football grapples with the repercussions of this shocking event.
