Source: REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
[Saba Sports News] According to Italian media reports, Hakan Calhanoglu met with extreme fan leaders personally, despite Inter club advising him against it. Calhanoglu explained that the meeting was due to his gratitude towards Inter’s extreme fans, who displayed a banner saying “We stand with Turkey and Syria; Calhanoglu is one of us” in the north stand after the major earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February 2023. Calhanoglu expressed his gratitude by first donating his jersey to the north stand fan organization for charity fundraising and then meeting with the fan leaders. However, Calhanoglu emphasized that he felt no pressure during this meeting. According to Article 25, Section 10 of Italy’s “Sports Justice Law,” “private contact with representatives of groups or fan organizations not affiliated with the club is prohibited.” Reports indicate that due to this private meeting, Calhanoglu faces a fine of €20,000, and if the prosecution’s investigation reveals more serious issues, he could even face a suspension for one or more matches.