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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>Meler was brutally attacked on the pitch</li><li>Spent three days in the hospital with a fractured eye</li><li>Offender Faruk Koca handed severe punishment</li></ul>

Former MKE Ankaragucu president who punched Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler learns fate as football federation decide punishment

1. Lig

Pendikspor

Ankaragucu

Faruk Koca has been handed a permanent ban by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for assaulting the UEFA Elite panel referee. During the match, Meler sent off one player from each side, leading to a 1-1 draw with Rizespor equalising in injury time. Koca ran onto the pitch after the game, punched the referee, and further violence ensued as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/turkish-super-lig-postponed-indefinitely-mke-ankaragucu-president-punch-referee-halil-umut-meler-hospital-treatment/blt7b8bac1c24096946" target="_blank">others kicked Meler while on the ground.</a>

WHAT HAPPENED?

The TFF announced several penalties including fines of €63,000 for Ankaragucu and a five-game behind-closed-doors order. Matches across all Turkish leagues were suspended after the assault, and they are set to resume next Tuesday.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Koca, who was subsequently arrested, announced his resignation as president via the Ankaragucu website. The country's justice minister, Yilmaz Tunc, stated on Tuesday that Koca had been arrested for "injuring and threatening a public servant."

DID YOU KNOW?

Meler has been discharged from the hospital and he has assured that there<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/turkish-super-lig-referee-ankaragucu-president-hospitalised-fractured-eye/blt35302fd2bb8da238#csd09b69ef1fe4fdcc" target="_blank"> "is no problem with my health." </a>Mehmet Buykeksi, the TFF chief, has vowed that Meler will soon return to action when he gets fit contrary to speculation that the official was ready to quit his profession. He took charge of a Champions League game between Lazio and Celtic on November 28 and is expected to officiate in the European Championship finals in Germany in 2024.

WHAT NEXT?

Former MKE Ankaragucu president who punched Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler learns fate as football federation decide punishment | Goal.com

Former MKE Ankaragucu president, who punched Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler, has learnt his fate after football federation decide punishment.

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