On-Loan Barcelona Midfielder Arda Turan Banned 16 Matches for Shoving Linesman

Arda Turan has been suspended for a record 16 matches after he pushed a linesman in Istanbul Basaksehir's clash with Sivasspor last Friday.

According to Goal, a furious Turan—on loan from Barcelona—took issue with the fact that a foul was not called in the final minute of the 1-1 draw and shoved the official, earning a red card.

The incident has since been reviewed by the Turkish Football Association, resulting in the midfielder being handed the lengthiest ban in the country's history.

The 31-year-old is in Istanbul on loan until 2020, having arrived from Barca in January after a disappointing spell with the Catalan giants.

Basaksehir will have to do without the midfielder as they look to overcome a three-point gap on Super Lig leaders Galatasaray in their final two matches, as well as the first 14 games of next season.

However, manager Abdullah Avci refused to criticise Turan in the aftermath, as he told reporters (h/t Goal): 

"These things are part of the game. We can't be bothered by the thoughts of those who write on social media, people that we don't even know. It's not easy when you lead the league race so long and then have a result like that. The anxiety can get to you."

Turan is no strange to controversy. In 2015, he escaped punishment after appearing to throw his boot at a linesman while with Atletico Madrid, and earlier this year, he threatened to crush a reporter's "head and eyes" after the journalist questioned his wife while the pair were out for a meal, per NTV (h/t Goal's Chris Burton).