Idman.biz
The measure of restraint for "Fenerbahçe" player Mert Hakan Yandaş, who was arrested as part of the betting investigation in Turkish football, has been changed. The experienced player, who appeared before the judge today, defended himself emotionally and rejected the accusations.
Idman.Biz reports that the court issued a release order for Mert Hakan Yandaş and Ersin Dikmen, who was being tried with him.
In his defense speech, Mert Hakan Yandaş emphasized that his honor and dignity were above all else:
"Would a person who has been a tax record holder sell a game for three or five thousand liras? Everyone knows how much I love "Fenerbahçe". But my trust was abused. I promised my late father when I was nine years old and I will continue my struggle. I am not someone who would sell my pride and honor for three pennies."
The football player stated that he had a 15-year friendship with Ersin Dikmen and that the money transfers between them were only related to debt and need. He claimed that he had never been a member of betting sites and had never done anything illegal.
Not only "Fenerbahçe" officials but also an interesting figure came to Çağlayan Courthouse to support Mert Hakan. "Galatasaray" player Metehan Baltacı, who was being tried in the same criminal case and was released a few days ago, was seen in the courthouse to support his colleague.
In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Mert Hakan Yandaş and Ersen Dikmen were demanded to be sentenced to up to 17 years and 10 months in prison on charges of "fraud" and "betting".
