MANDARIC DESCRIBES 'HORRIBLE DREAM'

Acquitted Milan Mandaric described his trial on tax evasion charges as a "horrible dream".

Last Updated: 08/02/12 at 13:10 Post Comment

Milan Mandaric: Horrible dream

Milan Mandaric: Horrible dream

Milan Mandaric described his trial on tax evasion charges as a "horrible dream" after being cleared of all charges at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.

His acquittal alongside co-defendant Harry Redknapp blows the final whistle on a five-year £8million police investigation which failed to yield a single conviction.

Mandaric and former Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie were also cleared of £600,000 tax dodge claims at a previous trial, it can be reported for the first time.

Mandaric told reporters outside court: "I would rather not talk much now, and I'm quite sure you understand that.

"I've got to go somewhere to try to pinch myself and wake me up from that horrible dream that I had in the past.

"As we said in the statements, I always believed in the truth, and always believed in the British justice system."

The Sheffield Wednesday chairman will now take time to consider his future in the game, revealing: "Right now I have got to find out how much more is in my enthusiastic tank - energy and enthusiasm - to go back to go and win more games.

"I am here as all of you know for the love of the game and love of the country and I will try to do my best going forward."

Mandaric also issued a statement on Wednesday's official website which read: "I am delighted I have today been cleared of these totally unfounded allegations of tax evasion. It is clear they should have never have been brought to court.

"I never doubted the truth would prevail nor the fact that the British justice system would come to the right conclusion.

"I came to Britain 12 years ago because of my love of football and have since saved three much loved football clubs which were on the brink of extinction.

"As a result I have saved thousands of jobs and paid tens of millions of pounds into the public purse through tax.

"To suggest I would cheat the tax man is highly offensive to me, my family, my associates and friends.

"I am happy that my good name and reputation have been upheld.

"And I wish to express my gratitude to my many football fans, friends and family for all their support. They have been a great source of strength to me."

Related News

Sky Bet

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

here has only been 3 players who made me hold my breath in dread when they picked the ball up anywhere near our penalty area...in their prime Scholes and Giggs... and always Drogba. Awesome player who on his day was the best striker in the world in my opinion.

gunner14
Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

I

remember him scoring a 25-yarder, either the season just gone or the one before, against Bolton at the Reebok. I've never seen a ball hit that hard before in my entire life. You could almost feel the shockwave from his foot contacting it 40 yards away in the stands. Didier Droga. You might not have loved him, but you just had to be in awe of him.

jon_bwfc
Farewell Big, Brutal, Big-Balled B**tard

E

den Hazard, def. - 1) that girl in a club who makes eyes at you all night, who allows you to buy her a drink and walk her home arm in arm, who then gives you a suggestive kiss on her doorstep before declaring how tired she is and how she has to be up early the next day. 2) A cock tease.

cramp
Hazard 'terms agreed' with trio

Footer 365

Alonso: Tough to defend title

Midfielder Xabi Alonso believes Spain will have to be at their perfect best to retain their European Championship title this summer.

AVB wants stable club

Andre Villas-Boas will only consider returning to management at a club with a solid long-term strategy in place, according to his agent.

Defensive troubles for Trap

Giovanni Trapattoni is considering calling up a defender for Saturday's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina with three players set to miss out.

Mail Box

Paying Tribute To Didier 'Beast' Drogba

He will be missed by Chelsea but also by other fans who had no choice but to stand back and admire. Plus, mails on Liverpool, Tottenham and the stout Irish defence...

Does SOS Stand For 'Shame Of Shankly'?

There's embarrassment from Liverpool fans after Spirit Of Shankly's talk of 'chaos' at Anfield. Plus; big-ups for Roberto Martinez, perfect penalties and lots more...

© 2012 365 Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved