Former Ankaragucu head Faruk Koca handed permanent disqualification for attacking referee

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

The former head of the Ankaragucu football club, Faruk Koca, was handed a permanent disqualification Thursday by the Turkish Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for attacking a referee at the end of a match.

The PFDK also fined the Trendyol Super Lig club ₺2.2 million ($76,000) and sentenced the team to play five official matches without spectators because of violations of instructions of club executives and the reaction of fans.

Koca resigned Tuesday after a shocking incident Monday where he punched one of the game referees.

Koca, 59, was remanded into custody for punching Halil Umut Meler in the face after a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Following the final whistle, Koca walked onto the pitch and punched the FIFA-licensed referee.

Once Meler fell to the ground, several people kicked him, and the 37-year-old referee was taken to an Ankara hospital.

Meler was discharged Wednesday from the hospital.