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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Referee punched by club president</li><li>President permanently suspended</li><li>Club given $54,000 fine for the events</li></ul>

Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca handed permanent ban from football after punching Super Lig referee

1. Lig

Pendikspor

Ankaragucu

Koca, the president of Super Lig side Ankaragucu, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/watch-turkey-super-lig-referee-punched-face-ankaragucu-president-kicked-head-rizespor/blt594d51c22b5e428e#cs954aa998c52d8248" target="_blank">punched referee, Halil Umut Meler</a> after his side drew to Rizespor with a last-gasp equalizer for the latter. The league was suspended by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in light of the events. According to Yilmaz Tunc, the Minister of Justice, a Turkish court ordered Koca's arrest on Tuesday and remanded two other suspects in jail in connection with the incident. He has also now been handed a permanent ban by the TFF.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ankaragucu were also ordered by the TFF to pay a fine of two million lira ($54,000) and to hold five home games without spectators due to the unrest between fans and club officials.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Meler has officiated in the top division of Turkish football since 2019 and is a FIFA-certified official since 2017. On November 28, the 37-year-old took charge of Lazio's Champions League group match against Celtic.

DID YOU KNOW?

The TFF announced at a press conference on Wednesday that all leagues will now resume on December 19 after the incident.

WHAT NEXT?

Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca handed permanent ban from football after punching Super Lig referee | Goal.com

After being arrested for hitting a referee, Faruk Koca has been given a permanent suspension by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

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