Turkish club president resigns and issues apology after hospitalising referee with deadly punch

MKE Ankaragucu club president Faruk Koca has announced his immediate resignation from the post after sparking ugly scenes during his side’s Turkish Super Lig match against Rizespor, where he hit referee Halil Umut Meler, causing the match official a facial fracture.

Koca was seen hitting referee Meler after Ankaragucu conceded a goal in the seventh minute of extra time during a tight league affair, causing them to lose two valuable points.

The late goal for the visitors caused Ankaragucu fans to invade the pitch and it was during this melee that Koca got a chance to hit the referee.

Koca initially denied causing any serious harm to referee Meler, but after some reflection and backlash has issued an apology to the match official and also tendered his resignation as president of the club.

The club administrator released a statement saying, “I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragucu Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragucu club, Ankaragucu fans, the community I am in and my family.

“I hope that this incident, which I, more than anyone else, cannot accept, will be a reason for our sports life, especially our football community, to be purified from mistakes, shortcomings and the culture of violence.

Koca continued, saying, “At the same time, I hope that the structural problems of Turkish football will be discussed more realistically due to this grave incident that I caused.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize again to everyone I have upset, especially Ankaragucu fans.

“I would like it to be known that I am deeply saddened that both the club I manage, the football community, and our country are remembered with such an event and image.'

Koca also apologised to referee Meler, who had to be taken to the hospital to treat his injuries, as well as to his family, the Turkish refereeing community, and the nation for his moment of weakness.