Tumultuous end to Turkish Super Lig Match Leads to Club President’s incarceration and League suspension
Consequences of the shocking scenes at the end of the Turkish Super Lig match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor (1-1) unfolded swiftly, leaving Turkey and the football world in disbelief. Club president Faruk Koca was incarcerated after assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler, leading to a referee strike and the suspension of all Turkish league matches.
The tumultuous conclusion of the match cast a shadow on a sport traditionally known for its unifying nature.
Faruk Koca, president of Ankaragücü, justified his actions by citing the expulsion of a player (Ali Sowe) from his team in the 50th minute and the referee’s failure to blow the final whistle on time, allowing Rizespor to equalize (90+7).
However, during his interrogation, Koca claimed that the referee exaggerated the situation by intentionally falling to the ground, despite clear video evidence showing the aftermath of the punch.
Authorities responded swiftly and decisively. Following the questioning of President Koca and two accomplices, Ankara’s local police detained them all, as depicted in a video shared by the Turkish media outlet Demirören Haber Ajansı (DHA).
Related article: Süper Lig indefinitely suspended after referee assault: Turkish Football faces crisis
