Veli Hakki

[Dominic]

From WWW.THISISSLOUGH.COM

 

Hakki set for release?

 

 

ON HIS WAY BACK?: Veli Hakki.

VELI Hakki could be released from prison this month allowing him to play for Slough Town again next season.

 

The Observer spoke exclusively to Veli’s dad, Birol, who said Hakki was due to be released from prison between July 25 and August 1.

 

It is understood that the former Slough Town player-of-the-season will be electronically tagged for the first month of his release. But that would leave the skilful midfielder free to play for the Rebels from the middle of September.

 

Birol said: “Veli has been coping as well as possible with life in prison, but we cannot wait until his release.”

 

Hakki was found guilty of violent disorder at Woolwich Crown Court in November last year for his involvement in the riot that followed the Millwall v Birmingham match on May 2, 2001. He was sentenced to two years.

 

Veli’s mum, Tunay, told the Observer she was hopeful of a release but that nothing had been set in stone.

 

She said: “At the moment we just do not know, but when he is released I think he will want to get straight back into his football. I don’t know how all this is going to affect him when he comes out.”

 

Veli has been in prison on the Isle of Wight since November last year, making it difficult for his family and friends to visit him with only two visits permitted a month.

 

Tunay added: “We just try and make it as fair as possible with those that want to see him. But it doesn’t matter how far it is because we will go there.

 

“It was difficult for Veli at first because he had never been in any trouble before; he was not used to that environment.”

The family are not allowed to phone him. It is only through the twice-monthly visits or when Veli makes a call himself that his parents are able to check on his well-being.

 

But Tunay confirmed that Veli has been wowing the inmates with his football skills, adding: “They do like him there because of his football.”

 

Hakki, from Forest Hill, South London, agreed to an interview with the Observer last year in which he said his actions were ‘out of character’ and said: “I regret what I have done.”

The 23-year-old said before his sentencing that he hoped Slough Town would take him back.

 

Slough Town gave their full support to Hakki throughout his trial. Club secretary, Roy Merryweather, said: “The door at Slough Town will be open to Veli. He is a talented footballer and there will be a lot of offers for him.

 

“It really depends on who is in charge when he is released and if he wants to come back to Slough – I know the fans will be pleased to see him.

 

“I hope he finds his way in football and that he comes out a much more mature person.”

 

As the Observer went to press there was due to be announcement about the club’s future. It is understood that negotiations between Slough Borough Council and former club chairman, Martyn Deaner, have progressed.

 

[Chris]

I think that when Veli does return to playing I think you'll see him in a Wood shirt as he got on well with Browne and Dean Palmer's his mate - hope i'm wrong though.

[Urchino]

Surely the tag would be classed as an offensive weapon !!!