ANKARA: The former head of the Ankaragucu football club, Faruk Koca, was handed a permanent disqualification Thursday by the Turkish Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for attacking a referee at the end of a match. The PFDK also fined the Trendyol Super Lig club ?2.2 million ($76,000) and sentenced the team to play five official matches without spectators because of violations of instructions of club executives and the reaction of fans. Koca resigned Tuesday after a shocking incident Monday where he punched one of the game referees. Koca, 59, was remanded into custody for punching Halil Umut Meler in the face after a Super Lig match against Caykur Rizespor that ended in a 1-1 draw. Following the final whistle, Koca walked onto the pitch and punched the FIFA-licensed referee. Once Meler fell to the ground, several people kicked him, and the 37-year-old referee was taken to an Ankara hospital. Meler was discharged Wednesday from the hospital. Source: Anadolu Agency
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