THE MOB TAKE AIM AT HART
Star ‘extortion target’
ENGLAND goalkeeper Joe Hart is said to have been made an offer he can’t refuse by the Mafia.
Crime clans have set up moneyspinning syndicates in Turin, where the Torino star lives.
And mob insiders say they have targeted millionaire players in lucrative protection rackets.
Hart’s on-loan teammate Fabio Quagliarella claims he was forced out of former club Napoli by the feared Camorra mob.
The gang sent letters accusing him of mafia activity, cocaine usage and paedophilia to the club president, he said.
Now there are fears Hart and his Torino teammates could also be subjected to extortion attempts.
A source said: “The Mafia have a massive influence on football teams across Italy and it will be no different with Torino.
“Turin is a big city where there is money to be made and protection rackets that target extremely rich people – and PATRICK WILLIAMS footballers fall into that bracket – are a known method of extorting money for the Camorra. “Joe Hart may well have already been targeted. “And there can be problems if they don’t pay – then, smear campaigns and threats will be the consequences.” Sources close to Hart in the UK say he is loving life in Turin. One told us: “Everyone likes him there and he is enjoying his football again. “But he is aware of the whole Mafia thing and has carefully chosen security.” Hart, 29 made just one appearance for Manchester City this season before moving to Italy on loan. When asked what he will do at the end of the season, Joe said he has nothing other than Torino on his mind. He added: “I’m happy at this club and I’m happy to have the opportunity to be here. I’m only focused on Torino.”