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

Koca, the president of Super Lig side Ankaragucu, punched referee, Halil Umut Meler 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.

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.

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.

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