Ex-Turkish football club president faces up to 13 years in prison for referee attack

Faruk Koca, the former Turkish football club president of MKE Ankaragucu, along with three others, is facing serious legal consequences after a violent attack on referee Halil Umut Meler.

This attack occurred after a Super League match between Ankaragucu and Caykur Rizespor in December 2023, sparking widespread condemnation throughout Türkiye and beyond.

Details of referee attack after Ankaragucu vs Caykur Rizespor match

The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Ankara’s Eryaman Stadium, descended into chaos when Koca and other club officials stormed the field.

The prosecutor in the case detailed how Koca confronted Meler, threatening him by saying, “I will kill you,” before punching the referee and knocking him to the ground.

The prosecutor noted that after Meler fell, Kenan Celikkaya and Sahin Yunus Sahin joined in the attack, kicking Meler as he lay defenseless on the ground. Another individual, Osman Erkam Can, attempted to kick Meler but missed.

At the time of the attack, Ankaragucu was playing in the Turkish Super Lig, the top tier of Turkish football. The club had been struggling throughout the 2023–2024 season, and by the end of May 2024, they were relegated to the TFF First League after finishing 17th.

This relegation occurred just months after the high-profile incident involving Turkish football club president Koca’s referee attack. His resignation came after significant backlash from both football fans and political figures, further impacting his role within the club.

Charges, injuries sustained by referee Halil Umut Meler during the attack

According to the forensic report presented to the court, Meler sustained a moderate facial injury, including a bone fracture. The prosecutor emphasized that this was not an accidental injury, but rather a deliberate attack intended to cause harm.

The ex-Turkish football club president faces multiple charges, including “intentional injury causing bone fracture” and making threats. If convicted, he could serve up to 13 years, 1 month and 15 days in prison. The case also falls under Türkiye’s Law on Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports, designed to protect athletes and officials.

Celikkaya and Sahin face similar charges, with sentences ranging from three years, four months to over 10 years. Can is charged with attempted injury and could face a sentence of six months to one year, six months. The prosecutor has also requested that all four defendants be banned from attending any sports events under the law preventing violence in sports.

Political, legal fallout of ex-Turkish football club president Koca’s referee attack

Following the referee attack, Koca resigned from his role as Ankaragucu’s president under intense public pressure. He spent 15 days in detention before being released pending trial.

His resignation came because of a significant backlash from both football fans and political figures, especially after the public outrage over the attack on Meler. Koca, who had connections with Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), was expelled from the party after the incident.

The trial, which is being closely followed by both the football community and legal experts, was postponed after defense lawyers requested additional time to prepare their case. The next hearing is scheduled for November 11, 2024.

If found guilty, Koca and the others will face lengthy prison sentences and will be permanently banned from sports events under Türkiye’s anti-violence regulations.