Murder conviction soccer fan granted transfer from Bulgaria jail back to Britain

A Liverpool football fan "wrongly" jailed in Bulgaria has been granted permission to serve the rest of his sentence in the UK, it was confirmed.

Michael Shields is serving 10 years for the attempted murder of a barman during a brawl in the Black Sea resort of Golden Sands last May.

The 20-year-old student, who was there to watch Liverpool FC win the Champions' League final in neighbouring Turkey, has always denied any involvement.

He was sentenced to 15 years, reduced to 10 on appeal, and fined £90,000.

The Bulgarian authorities refused to release him to a UK prison until the fine was paid, which his family was only recently been able to do.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed today that the Bulgarian authorities have now authorised the transfer.

He added: "We will now be making arrangements for the transfer of Michael Shields to a UK prison." Mr Shields' family, who insist he is innocent, welcomed the decision.

His uncle, Joey Shields, said: "We will not be happy until Michael's name has been cleared, but of course it is good news that he is coming back to this country, even if it is to a prison.

"We just hope the experience of 18 months in a Bulgarian prison has not been too much for him. He could be in pieces."

It is understood the transfer may take place within the next fortnight, but the Home Office said the exact date will not be revealed.