Faruk Koca resigns from his post following referee punching controversy

The former Turkish club President Ankaragucu has been given a life time ban by the Football federation of Turkey. Notably, the association confirmed the same, following the incident where Ankaragucu had punched a referee earlier this week. However, along with the lifetime ban, Ankaragucu has also been ordered to pay a fine of 60000 Euros (Equivalent to 66000 USD), and a total of 5 home matches behind doors.

Following this, the disciplinary action against Ankaragucu, the manager of the club, Faruk Koca arrived at the pitch. Notably, Faruk Koca made his appearance following the incident of Ankaragucu punching the referee named Halil Unit Meler after the end of the match. However, his team had achieved a draw on Monday with Caykur Rizespor. Faruk Koca then announced his resignation for the post.

Meanwhile, Faruk Koca is labeled as a candidate to become the mayor of Ankara. All the matches of the Turkish league have been suspended till the 19th of December. He seemed to be incensed at Meler, as a player was sent for giving a stoppage-time goal. In addition, Meler happened to fall on the ground, and he had suffered several kicks in the process. Following the incident, the Turkish president spoke about the same.

‘Sports means peace and brotherhood’ – Recep Tayyip Erdogan

“Sports means peace and brotherhood. Sport is incompatible with violence,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. In his social media post, Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed the issue. Following it, reports claimed that Koca announced his resignation from the AKP party, the political party in power in Turkey. Meanwhile, earlier this year, Koca claimed to be a candidate who could become the mayor of the national capital.

The election for the same is about to happen on the 31st of March next year. Notably, the incident of punching the referee by Ankaragucu earlier this week seems to have impacted Turkish Football a lot. It brought disgrace to the country’s sports culture. Everyone seems to be ashamed of it. Many, like Koca, have resigned from their posts. However, the fans are totally disgusted by the incident, as events like it cannot be considered in the right spirit of sportsmanship.