Turkish Super Lig: Club President Banned Indefinitely After Punching Referee 

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has now permanently suspended Faruk Koca after being arrested for hitting a referee.

Ankaragucu’s president, Koca, attacked referee Halil Umut Meler after his team tied Rizespor in a thrilling last-gasp equaliser. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended the league in response to the incidents. The Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc, claims that a Turkish court remanded two additional suspects in custody in connection with the event and ordered Koca’s arrest on Tuesday. The TFF has now also issued him a permanent ban.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Turkish Super Lig Ref Punched In The Face By Club President 

Ankaragucu were also ordered by the TFF to pay a fine of two million lira ($54,000) and to hold five home games without spectators due to the unrest between fans and club officials.

Meler is a FIFA-certified official who has officiated in Turkish football’s top level since 2019. The 37-year-old took over charge of Lazio‘s Champions League group match against Celtic on November 28.

Following the event, all leagues will restart on December 19, according to a news conference held by the TFF on Wednesday.