Turkish Soccer Club President Resigns After Attacking Referee

The president of Ankaragücü, a top-tier Turkish soccer club, has resigned following a shocking incident where he punched FIFA-licensed referee Halil Umut Meler in the face during a match against Rizespor. Faruk Koca announced his resignation, expressing a desire to prevent further harm to the club, its fans, and the community. Meler reported that Koca also threatened to kill him. The attack resulted in Koca, along with two others, being arrested for injuring a public official on duty.

Meler suffered a swollen left eye and a small crack but is expected to recover without brain damage. The Turkish Football Federation condemned the attack, leading to the indefinite postponement of matches in all leagues. FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly denounced the violence, emphasizing the need for safety in football. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other clubs, including Galatasaray, expressed condemnation and called for a review of the growing issue of violence in Turkish football.

Ankaragücü apologized for the incident, while Rizespor extended well wishes to Meler. The attack has sparked discussions about the broader problems within Turkish football, emphasizing the need for unity and action to address such issues.