The Turkish football club, Ankaragucu, has defended its former president, Faruk Koca, after he was sentenced to prison for physically assaulting the referee. reports "BBC".
On Monday, a court in Turkey's capital, Ankara, sentenced the 60-year-old to three years and seven months in prison for "intentionally injuring a public official."
Koca was also given a one-year suspended prison sentence for making threats and violating laws related to violence in sports.
Former Ankaragucu president Koca punched referee Halil Umut Melet after a 1:1 draw with Rizespor in December 2023. The Turkish referee suffered a fractured eye socket from Koca's punch.
Meler fell to the field and was then hit by three other individuals.
In a statement issued after the punishment, the chairman of the Ankaragucu club, Ismail Mert Firat, said that "it is impossible to interpret that the punishment was done for good intentions".
He said that "no heinous external crime" had been committed and accused the court of bowing to biased public opinion.
Ankaragucu confirmed his support for Koca, citing his contribution to Turkish football. He called the former president who led the club for three years a legend.
The club assessed that the punishment was disproportionate, as Koca resigned and publicly apologized after the attack. The Turkish federation suspended football for a week after the serious incident and banned Koca for life. Ankaragucu was fined over 50 euros for the incident and was forced to play five home games without the presence of fans.
Three other people involved in the attack received suspended sentences ranging from 15 months in prison to five years.
All those convicted are expected to appeal the court's decision. Koca will not be sent to prison until the highest court decides on any appeal.
