Turkish football club Ankaragucu has defended its former president, Faruk Koca, after he was sentenced to prison for assaulting a referee.
A court in Ankara on Monday sentenced the 60-year-old Koca to three years and seven months for “intentionally wounding a public official.” Additionally, he received a suspended sentence of under one year for making threats and violating sports violence laws.
The incident, which occurred after a 1-1 draw with Rizespor in December 2023, saw Koca punch referee Halil Umut Meler in the face, resulting in a fractured eye socket for Meler. After he fell to the ground, Meler was also kicked by three other individuals.
Following the verdict, Ankaragucu’s current chairman, Ismail Mert Firat, criticized the sentence, calling it “impossible to interpret with good intentions.” He defended Koca, claiming there was “no disgraceful crime” and alleging that public opinion had biased the court’s decision.
Ankaragucu voiced its continued support for Koca, highlighting his positive impact on Turkish football and referring to him as a “legend.” They argued that the sentence was excessive, noting that Koca had already resigned and publicly apologized after the incident.
In response to the assault, the Turkish Football Federation suspended all football activity in the country for a week. Koca was also permanently banned from Turkish football, while Ankaragucu received a two-million-lira fine (approximately £54,000) and was ordered to play five home games behind closed doors.
The three other defendants involved in the attack received suspended sentences between 15 months and five years. All four are expected to appeal the court’s decision, and Koca’s prison term will be on hold until the appeal is resolved.
SOURCE: BBC
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