January 10 – The previous president of Turkish high flight membership Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, instructed a courtroom on Tuesday that he regretted attacking the referee on the finish of a league sport however denied threatening to kill him.

Koca resigned from his function following the sickening assault on referee Halil Umut Meler after the 1-1 draw with Rizespor earlier this month.

Koca was charged with inflicting wilful harm to a public official, threatening an official and violating a legislation regarding the prevention of violence in sports activities.

Koca, who faces as much as 13 years in jail if discovered responsible, was launched on bail and appeared in courtroom with three different defendants who had been additionally charged.

The referee, who was additionally kicked by two different folks whereas mendacity on the bottom, was hospitalised with a minor fracture near his eye and accused Koca of threatening to kill him.

“The half concerning the risk just isn’t true,” Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Company quoted Koca as telling the courtroom through the opening listening to. “It was the primary time in my life that I engaged in a bodily intervention towards anybody. I’m sorry.

“I’ve already expressed my regrets to the general public. I current my regrets as soon as once more in courtroom.”

The assault towards Meler prompted a public outcry and prompted the Turkish Soccer Federation to droop all league video games for every week.

Koca was handed a everlasting ban from soccer whereas Ankaragucu had been fined 2 million lira ($69,000) and compelled to play 5 residence video games behind closed doorways.

Th trial was adjourned till February 28.

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