Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca, who is in pre-trial detention for attacking a referee on Monday, has resigned from his position, assuring regret for his actions.
“Any attitude that overshadows fair play [jogo limpo]including mine, should not be present in stadiums or pavilions”, said the director in a statement, announcing his resignation “to avoid further damage” to the club, the fans and his own family.
After Monday’s game against Rizespor (1-1), Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face, in a move that went around the world, and a Turkish court ordered his preventive detention.
“I would like it to be known that I deeply regret that both the club I manage, the football community and our country are remembered with such an event and image”, concluded Koca.
Faruk Koca and two others suspected of having assaulted Umut Meler were arrested in Ankara, accused of “injuring a referee in the exercise of his function” and violating the law against violence in sport.
Furthermore, the Islamic party AKP, which has governed Turkey since 2002, initiated a disciplinary process to expel Faruk Koca, a member of its party and deputy between 2002 and 2011.
The Turkish federation (TFF) has suspended games in all football leagues in the country, with no date set for the championships to resume, and is expected to meet on Wednesday to decide how to proceed with the competition.
2023-12-12 22:47:00
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