A criminal investigation has been launched against the violent club boss.
Faruk Koca’s fist slammed into referee Halil Umut Meler’s face with force. PDO
The match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor, who play in the Turkish league, ended in chaos. The worst boiled over with Ankaragücü’s club boss Faruk Kocawho stared at the judge.
Emotions heated up in the final moments of the match, when Rizespor leveled the match at 1–1. The main referee of the match Halil Umut Melerin after the whistle to end the game, Ankaragücü’s club management rushed to him.
An enraged Koca shook Umut Meler in the face with force. The referee fell to the ground, where someone was still kicking him. The players of both clubs and the field staff took part in the ensuing brawl.
Minister of Justice of Turkey Yunus Paksoy wrote in X that the prosecutor’s office had launched an investigation into the case.
– This is shameful. If those who attacked the referee don’t leave the stadium in handcuffs, then… This is very, very sad.
Umut Meler fell to the ground from the force of the blow. PDO