Football: Arda Turan banned for for 16-games for assaulting linesman

Barcelona star Arda Turan has been banned for a record breaking 16-games after physically assaulting a referee while playing on loan for Basaksehir in Turkey.

Turan became incensed when the linesman called in favour for the opposition in the dying moments of Basaksehir’s heated top of the table clash against DG Sivasspor.

The midfielder rushed to the linesmen, giving him a spray before violently shoving him off the field.

He was shown an instant red card.

He was also reportedly caught threatening officials, telling them they “all needed to die.”

Turan was fined $9,000 and subsequently received a 16-match ban by the Turkish Football Federation, 10 for attacking the linesman, three for insulting him and another three for threats.

“In total he is suspended for 16 matches,” the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said.

It is the longest ban ever handed down in Turkish football history by five games.

“As the Basaksehir family we cannot agree to this... Arda Turan should have been given a ban of 6-8 matches,” Basaksehir chairman Goksel told A Spor channel.

Turan became a national treasure in Turkey after his time in Spain with footballing royalty Barcelona.