Fuente : Liverpool F.C.
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/

LIVERPOOL FC: TRAVELLING REDS CAN HELP MICHAEL SHIELDS

/noticias.info/ Michael Shields Snr, the father of the young Reds fan jailed in Bulgaria for a crime another man has owned up to, has called on all Liverpool fans travelling to Sofia to behave if they want to help the campaign to free his son.
18-year-old Michael Shields from Wavertree, Liverpool, was arrested in Bulgaria days after Liverpool's Champions League triumph in Istanbul on suspicion of a brutal attack on Martin Georgiev, the owner of a fish and chips shop in the Black Sea resort of Golden Sands.

The 18-year-old strenuously pleaded his innocence throughout the trial and despite another Liverpool man coming forward to admit it was him who carried out the assault, Shields was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in Bulgaria.

While Michael waits patiently in prison for an appeal against his sentence to be heard, back home in Wavertree the fight to clear their son's name goes on for his family.

Speaking to liverpoolfc.tv on Monday, Michael's father said: "What I ask and what I plead for is that Liverpool fans show dignity towards the fans of CSKA Sofia and the people of Bulgaria. This is about a football match between two great cities, two great clubs and two brilliant sets of supporters. This match isn't about Michael Shields.

"Let's make it a carnival atmosphere in Sofia and show the whole world what Liverpool supporters are really about and when the Sofia fans travel to Anfield in a fortnight's time, let's prove that we really are the best and friendliest fans in football. Let's welcome the Bulgarian people to Liverpool with open arms and make them feel really welcome. We want both sets of fans to have a drink, have a laugh and enjoy themselves in a spirit of friendship.

"What's happened in Bulgaria in May has tarnished the name of Liverpool fans but this is our chance to show everyone what Liverpool people are all about. Any trouble in Bulgaria when Liverpool travel away will make Michael's situation worse.

"If one fan gets into trouble then he is no friend of Michael. In fact, we wouldn't want their name to be mentioned with Michael's in the same sentence because that is not what he's about. Please, please behave for Michael's sake." notas_de_prensa_archivo