A Turkish court ordered the arrest of Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca for punching a referee in the face at the end of a Super Lig match, and also remanded in custody two other suspects over the violence, the justice minister said.
The Turkish Football Federation said it had suspended all leagues after the "shameful" incident when Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler, who was in charge of Ankaragucu's home match against Rizespor on Monday.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Koca and two others were formally arrested for "injuring a public official." A decision was made to impose judicial controls on three further suspects.
Koca entered the field and hit Meler when the final whistle blew after Rizespor scored a 97th-minute equalizer in the 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium.
Ankaragucu fans invaded the pitch after the game and Meler was also kicked when he fell. The 37-year-old referee eventually made it to the dressing room with the help of the police.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that sport is "incompatible with violence."
Faruk Koca is restrained after he punched referee Halil Umut Meler, who is attacked by another man as he lays on the pitch. REUTERS
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