The former president of the Turkish first division soccer team Ankaragücü has been released from prison on bail after his physical attack on a referee.
As the Turkish state news agency “Anadolu” reported, Faruk Koca has to report regularly to the authorities.
On December 11, Koca hit referee Halil Meler in the face with his fist after the final whistle of the game between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor (1-1).
Meler then fell to the ground and others involved kicked him. The referee suffered, among other things, a fracture near his eye and had to be taken to hospital.
Koca, who has since resigned as president of the club, has to answer in court for injuring a public official, threatening a public official and violating a law to prevent violence in sport.
The criminal court accepted the indictment of the Ankara West Prosecutor General’s Office. According to Anadolu, a first hearing date is set for January 9th. Koca and two other suspects were arrested the day after the attack.
The Turkish Football Association had given Ankaragücü’s ex-president a lifelong ban. The club also has to pay a fine equivalent to around 63,000 euros.
No spectators were allowed for the home game on December 21st against Hatayspor (0-0).