Former president who punched referee Umut Meler sentenced to 3 years and 7 months in prison.

The verdict has been announced in the case where 4 defendants, including former Ankaragücü Club President Faruk Koca, who attacked referee Halil Umut Meler, were tried.

PENALTY ANNOUNCED

Koca was sentenced to 3 years, 7 months, and 22 days in prison for the crime of 'intentional injury' due to his actions against Referee Meler.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE VERDICT POSTPONED

Additionally, the announcement of the verdict for the other crimes committed by Koca was postponed.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mke Ankaragücü Club President Faruk Koca attacked referee Halil Umut Meler with a punch after the match against Çaykur Rizespor, which ended in a 1-1 draw last season. After being struck, Meler fell to the ground, where some individuals also kicked him. The Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an investigation against all suspects involved in the violent act against the referee, as well as the fans who entered the field, for violations of the 'Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports' and for 'injury and threats against a public official in the performance of their public duty.'

As part of the investigation, 3 individuals, along with Koca, were referred to the courthouse after their procedures at the police station. In his defense, Faruk Koca stated that he did not accept the accusations against him, saying, "This incident occurred due to the referee's wrong decisions and provocative behavior. My intention was to verbally react to the referee and spit in his face. During this time, I slapped the referee in the face. The slap I delivered does not cause a fracture. After the slap I delivered, the referee stood for about 5-10 seconds, then threw himself to the ground. Due to my heart condition, I was immediately removed from the scene. Other than that, I am not aware of any other incidents that occurred."