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

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

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WHAT HAPPENED?
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.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
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.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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.