“I only meant to spit on him,” Turkish club president who punched referee defends his actions with a bizarre explanation

Faruk Koca, the president who punched the referee, claims the injuries sustained were not from his slap.

“I only meant to spit on him,” Turkish club president who punched referee defends his actions with a bizarre explanation

Faruk Koca says he slapped Halil Umut Meler (Images via NBC and Sky)

Hell broke loose on the night of 11th December as all professional football in Turkey was suspended after an assault on a referee. After conceding a goal in the 97th minute to Rizespor, the president of MKE Ankaragucu ran onto the pitch and punched the referee, Halil Umut Meler, in his face. 

Faruk Koca, the man who punched and kicked the referee, caused all domestic football, including the Super Lig, in Turkey to be suspended. He was arrested for assault, while Meler was hospitalized for a broken eye socket. Koca defended himself, saying he meant to spit on him and verbally abuse him. Although many cameras captured him punching Meler, Koca claimed he slapped the referee and not punched him. 

YouTube video

After the punch, the referee fell to the ground and Koca kept kicking him, threatening to “finish him”. He added that Meler was on his feet for 5-10 seconds after his slap and fell. He further said that the injuries caused to Meler were not his fault. 

FS Video

Meler was hospitalized, with some statements stating he had a fractured eye socket and some other injuries. When being escorted out of the stadium, Meler thanked the Police but added that it was his fault. Koca was arrested and will now stand in front of a judge for physical assault. 

Turkish President talks with injured referee 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Faruk Kocu’s assault. On his X account, he said sport was not for violence and was to promote peace and brotherhood. He also wished Halil Umut Meler a speedy recovery. Later news broke out that Meler was personally called by President Erdogan. During the video call, Erdogan asked about the current condition him and offered his support for his recovery. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogen and Halil Umut Meler
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally contacted Halil Umut Meler in his hospital via video call (Images via BBC)

As of now all of football in Turkey has been suspended indefinitely. The Turkish football board called the attack vile and has pledged to make sure his attackers get punished. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino called the attack unacceptable as well. 

Kocu released a statement through the club where he apologized for his actions and resigned from his post as well. He said the football pitch was not a place where he should have acted out and said he resigned to prevent any harm to the club, its fans, and his family. 

No matter how great an injustice or how wrong [the officiating] was, nothing can legitimize or explain the violence that I perpetrated. 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.
Faruk Koca on his statement

Now there is no news on when all football in Turkey will be resumed. The UEFA Europa Conference League fixture between Fenerbahce and Spartak Trnava will be played as scheduled, but no news regarding their domestic leagues has come out so far. 

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