Turkey referee punch: Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca arrested
A Turkish football club president has been arrested after punching a referee following a top-flight match on Monday.
The president of a top-flight Turkish football club Ankaragucu has been arrested for attacking a referee at the end of a match on Monday in the capital, Ankara. Faruk Koca was seen punching Halil Umut Meler after his team conceded an equalizer in a Turkish Super Lig clash on Mionday night.
All Turkish football leagues have been suspended while officials consider how to address violence in the sport. Victoria Craig is a journalist in Ankara. She spoke to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's Nuala McGovern about the attack.
"He was simply angry about the result of a very contentious match last night that resulted in a draw," says Victoria.
"He's been downplaying the incident saying he 'slapped' rather than 'punch' the referee. There have been photos that have been circulating online and all over the media that show very clearly that he punched the referee."
Mr Halil Umut Meler who officiated the games was subjected to further attacks from fans who stormed the pitch and he's been hospitalised.
(Photo: Halil Umut Meler (2nd from left) getting punched. Credit: Emin Sansar/Getty images)
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