What Awaits Those Suspected of Assaulting a Referee in Turkey

Those suspected of assaulting a football referee in Turkey could face imprisonment ranging from 1 to 9 years. This information comes from Turkish media reports.

Following the match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor (1:1) in the 15th round of the Turkish league, Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca entered the field and punched the main referee of the match. During the game, the referee disallowed a goal by Ankaragücü player Ali Sowe. In the second half, the referee sent him off the pitch.

According to Turkey's Criminal Code, the crime of “deliberately causing harm to health,” which resulted in the detention of the suspects, is punishable by a prison term of 1 to 3 years. It is also noted that if such a crime is committed “by an individual acting in the course of performing a public duty,” the punishment increases.

Due to the incident involving the referee, the Turkish Football Federation has postponed matches across all leagues in the country. According to media reports, the referee has announced he will retire.