Meler has also accused Koca of threatening to kill him during the attack.
Koca was arrested but has since been released on bail. He appeared in court with three other defendants who were also charged.
“The part about the threat is not true,” the state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Koca as telling the court during the opening hearing. “It was the first time in my life that I engaged in a physical intervention against anyone. I am sorry.
“I have already expressed my regrets to the public. I present my regrets once again in court.”
The trial was adjourned until Feb. 28.
The attack against Meler caused a public furore and prompted the Turkish Football Federation to suspend all league games for a week.
Koca was imposed a permanent ban from football while Ankaragucu was fined 2 million lira ($69,000) and has been forced to play five home games without fans.
