Ankaragucu Defends Former President Faruk Koca Following Assault Sentence

Turkish football club Ankaragucu has come to the defense of their former president, Faruk Koca, after he was sentenced to prison for assaulting a referee.

On Monday, a court in Ankara sentenced the 60-year-old Koca to three years and seven months for “intentionally wounding a public official.” Additionally, he received a suspended sentence of less than a year for making threats and violating laws related to violence in sports.

The incident occurred after a 1-1 draw with Rizespor in December 2023, when Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler, resulting in a fractured eye socket. Following the punch, Meler was also kicked by three other individuals.

In response to the sentencing, Ankaragucu chairman Ismail Mert Firat stated it was “impossible to interpret the sentence with good intentions.” He insisted that Koca had not committed any “disgraceful crime” and accused the court of yielding to biased public opinion.

The club reiterated its support for Koca, highlighting his positive contributions to Turkish football during his three-year presidency and referring to him as a “legend.” Ankaragucu argued that the sentence was disproportionate, noting that Koca had resigned and publicly apologized after the assault.

In the wake of the incident, the Turkish Football Federation suspended football activities in the country for a week and imposed a permanent ban on Koca. Ankaragucu was also fined two million lira (£54,000) and ordered to play five home games without spectators.

Three other defendants involved in the attack received suspended sentences ranging from 15 months to five years.

All four individuals are expected to appeal the court’s decision, and Koca will not serve his sentence until the higher court rules on any appeals.