Former Football Chief Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for On-Pitch Attack on Referee
The Incident
A former football chief in Turkey’s Super Lig was sentenced to more than three years in prison Monday over an on-pitch attack on a referee, the Anadolu news agency reported. The incident occurred in December 2023 following a 1-1 draw between Ankara’s MKA Ankaragucu and visiting Caykur Rizespor in Turkey’s top flight.
The Attack
Footage from the scene showed Ankaragucu’s then president Faruk Koca rushing onto the pitch and punching referee Halil Umut Meler after he blew the final whistle, shouting: “I’m going to kill you!” He appeared to be incensed over the ref’s decision to send off one of his players, and disallowing an earlier goal by Ankaragucu. Caykur had scored an equaliser in injury time.
Condemnation and Reactions
Denouncing the attack as “despicable”, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended Super Lig matches for eight days and initiated criminal proceedings against Koca and several others. Several days later, Koca apologised and resigned as club president but insisted his team had been cheated by the referee.
Court Sentencing
The court on Monday handed him three years and seven months for “intentional injury to a public sports official” as well as six months and 20 days for “making threats”. It also handed him a five-month suspended sentence for “violating the law on violence prevention in sports”.
Other Officials Sentenced
During the incident, the referee — who fell to the ground after being punched — was also kicked several times by other club officials, leaving him with a head trauma. The court also handed prison sentences to three other officials for causing, or trying to cause, “intentional injury” to a public sports official, with sentences ranging from one to five years behind bars.
International Condemnation
The incident provoked uproar in Turkey and a flurry of condemnation, including from FIFA, football’s world governing body.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the former football chief and other officials serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and respect for referees in the world of football. The incident highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent violence and intimidation in sports, and for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions.
FAQs
* What was the incident that led to the sentencing?
+ The incident occurred during a 1-1 draw between Ankara’s MKA Ankaragucu and visiting Caykur Rizespor in Turkey’s top flight, where Ankaragucu’s then president Faruk Koca attacked the referee after the final whistle.
* What were the charges against Koca?
+ Koca was charged with “intentional injury to a public sports official”, “making threats”, and “violating the law on violence prevention in sports”.
* What were the sentences handed down by the court?
+ Koca was sentenced to three years and seven months for “intentional injury to a public sports official” as well as six months and 20 days for “making threats”. He was also handed a five-month suspended sentence for “violating the law on violence prevention in sports”. Three other officials were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to five years for causing or trying to cause “intentional injury” to a public sports official.