Ankaragucu Chairman Faruk Koca was remanded for punching referee Halil Umut Meler after a league match. The incident occurred on December 12, 2023, and shocked Turkish sports. Ankaragucu had drawn 1-1 with Caykur Rizespor. After the match, Koca punched referee Meler in the face and several people also kicked him. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack on the referee. Erdogan said, 'Sports means peace and brotherhood. Violence is incompatible with sports.' Referee Meler was taken to a hospital in Ankara. The Turkish Football Federation suspended all league matches until further notice. Meler, 37, is a UEFA Elite and FIFA referee who has officiated several matches in the UEFA club and national team competitions.