Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund’s player, was caught in the middle of a media storm this month. After the game his team played in the Champions League versus Man City he was asked for autographs by Octavian Sovre, one of the Romanian linesmen at that match.
After the gesture was captured by the TV cameras while other players were in the tunnel, Sovre was admonished by UEFA which stopped delegating him for other European games.
Yet, the reason for why the Romanian referee asked Haaland for autographs was for a right cause. Octavian Sovre supports a Romanian association which fights for the cause of the kids with autism. He simply gathers football memorabilia, such as T-shirts or even referee cards signed by famous players, and offer these to the association which auction them and collects the money needed to support the kids with autism in Western Romania.
By hearing the reason for which Sovre asked for his autograph, Haaland decided to support the autism awareness campaign even more. He sent his T-shirts signed, along with a letter to the woman who runs the NGO.
Dear Simona, I am sending you all the best wishes for the great job you guys are doing in Romania. Please enjoy my small gifts attached. Much love, Haaland.
Erling Haaland’s letter to the founder of the autism association in Romania
Nice gesture, Haaland!
Photo source: Autism Bihor Facebook account
![](https://valahia.news/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/enjoy-romania-experirence.jpg")
