Elderly AEK supporter, Konstantinos Fotinos, shared his feelings after going viral on the internet for being fined by the police as a result of deciding to visit the Agia Sofia Stadium in Nea Filadelfeia.
During the week, Fotinos decided to take a trip to analyse the construction progress of the Agia Sofia Stadium, but he was subsequently spotted by the police who promptly punished him with a fine amounting to 150 euros. However, the President of AEK FC Dimitris Melissanidis, decided to act after the news became a hot topic in Greek media.
Melissanidis, 69, made the call to issue Fotinos the first season ticket for the maiden campaign at the Agia Sofia Stadium. He also promised to cover the fine in full.
AEK fans had been willing to pay the fine too.
“Agia Sofia keeps me alive!” exclaimed Foteinos when speaking to Live Sport. “I was born in Constantinople, and AEK was my first love. We learned about this club in the City! I remember often going to the stadium. When I had a look inside the building site of the new arena in Nea Filadelfeia, my hair stood on end, I cry every time when I see the arena. This is our home, and few can understand what it feels like not to have a home. I loved the old stadium we had too.”
“I didn’t expect AEK to respond,” he continued when asked about the fact that AEK owner, Dimitris Melissanidis, promised to give him a season ticket for the first campaign at the Agia Sofia Stadium. “I was really moved and shocked. I want to say a huge thank you to AEK and Mr. Melissanidis. I didn’t do this to cause trouble. I always go to see the stadium at least twice a week!”
by Shaun Nicolaides
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