Faruk Koca, the president of Akaragucu – a top-flight Turkish football club – has sparked fury after running onto the pitch following a draw and punching a referee in the face, MySportDab reports.
In shocking scenes that have been condemned by the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Faruk Koca launched a vicious attack on match official Halil Umut Meler moments after his side drew 1-1 against Rizespor.
Abhorrent images show Koca’s fist connecting with the referee’s cheek just beneath his left eye, sending the official falling to the ground.
Others then laid into him with a series of kicks as he curled up on the ground covering his face.
A large crowd of players, coaching staff and security were quick to race to the scene and stop the attack, with the shaken Meler eventually helped to his feet. After being led away, he was seen sporting a swollen eye
The scenes were captured from multiple angles by photographers and on the live broadcast of the Turkish Super Lig match – the top flight of Turkish football.
The match finished 1-1 after Rizespor netted a last-gasp equaliser against Ankaragucu, who had been poised to win the match having scored an early opening goal.
However, the goal in the 97th minute of the 98-minute match saw the clash conclude in a draw – moments before the shocking twist of violence.
It is not known when matches in the division will resume.
A judicial investigation has been launched ‘against those responsible’ for the unprovoked assault, according to Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc.
Video;
MKE Ankaragücü Kulübü Başkanı Faruk Koca, Çaykur Rizespor maçından sonra hakem Halil Umut Meler'e sahanın içinde yumruk attı.
Hakem Umut Meler yere düştüğünde Koca’nın yanındaki kişiler bu sefer tekme ile vurmaya devam ettiler.
Halil Umut Meler’e yapılan saldırı kabul… pic.twitter.com/Xg72LoAKwt
— Murat AĞIREL (@muratagirel) December 11, 2023
Hakem #HalilUmutMeler saha içinde böyle tekmelendi! pic.twitter.com/EBbSRSoOAA
— NOW HABER (@nowhaber) December 11, 2023
