Turkish club president arrested after punching referee, hospitalized

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President Mehmet Buyukeksi earlier confirmed that all matches in the country have been postponed indefinitely following shocking scenes of referee abuse during Ankaragucu's 1-1 draw with Rizespor in the country's top flight on December 11.

Ankaragucu Club President Faruk Koca attacks referee

Olimpiu Morutan broke the deadlock for the home side after just 14 minutes. Rizespor earned a point when Adolfo Gaich equalized and a brawl ensued.

The clash resulted in two red cards for Ali Sowe and Rizespor Emirhan Topcu (both from Ankaragucu). And after the final whistle, referee Halil Umut Meler was punched in the face by Ankaragucu club president Faruk Koca. The 37-year-old referee fell to the ground after receiving the punch but continued to be attacked.

Referee Meler hospitalized after being punched

A group of players, coaching staff and security rushed to the scene to stop the attack from going further. Referee Meler had to be helped off the pitch with a black eye.

Mr. Koca was later quoted by Demiroren news agency as saying: "This incident arose due to the referee's wrong decisions and provocative behavior. My intention was to react verbally to the referee. At that time, I slapped the referee in the face. My slap certainly did not break any bones. After my slap, the referee fell to the ground. People immediately took me away from the scene because I had a heart condition."

Referee Meler's eye was swollen and bruised.

The incident resulted in the 59-year-old president and two others being detained before trial for injuring and threatening others. Mr. Koca also announced his resignation to avoid causing any further damage to the Ankaragucu club.

Meanwhile, referee Meler was given a neck brace after arriving at the hospital. He was visited by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on December 12. After tests, the referee was determined not to have suffered any serious injuries and is likely to be discharged on December 13.

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