Turkish Super Lig suspended as club president faces arrest after punching referee
Turkish Super Lig has been suspended as Faruk Koca, president of Ankaragucu, was arrested for punching a referee.
The violent incident occurred as Koca’s frustration reached its climax, following a late equalizer by Rizespor to bring their match to a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Koca, along side two others, has been formally arrested for “injuring a public official.”
The Turkish Football Federation has condemned the attack as “inhumane and despicable.” Ankaragucu fans invaded the pitch after the game, and the referee was kicked during the chaos.
The seriousness of his injuries is still under scrutiny, with many of the country’s foot enthusiasts angry.
In response to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the attacks, stating that violence has no place in football.
Matches in all Turkish football leagues have been suspended indefinitely by its football association after a club president punched a referee at the end of a match 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/znZrZUcIOF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 12, 2023
Following the sad development, the Turkish Football Federation has indefinitely postponed matches in all League’s in the country, stating they will take severe action against those responsible for the attack.
Turkey’s president, Recep Erdogan, has also joined the condemnation, stating, “Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sports are incompatible with violence.”
A detention order has been issued for Koca, and two people have already been detained as part of the judicial investigation.
