FA asks Liverpool to explain show of support for convicted criminal

[Elvoz]

I think the argument needs to move away from whether people think he is guilty or not, to whether the club should actually be involved to the extent of what happened the other night.

Having the players wear Michael Shields t-shirts was totally wrong IMO.

though not if they believe he is innocent mate surely
i mean if players can wear undies with superman on and show them off surely these players can do as they please

i suspect carra who is vocal in his support had something to do wth the players involvement

[Angry Dan]

I think the argument should focus more on why do the FA need to get involved?

I thought in this country we had free speech, I was hoping that David Noriss would chalenge his fine. While I do not agree with or condone what he did it is his right to say/express what he likes in accordance with the law.

[Neil Young]

I think the argument should focus more on why do the FA need to get involved?

I thought in this country we had free speech, I was hoping that David Noriss would chalenge his fine. While I do not agree with or condone what he did it is his right to say/express what he likes in accordance with the law.

I suspect there's something in the FA, UEFA or FIFA rules which may apply. Wasn't Fowler fined for wearing a T-shirt supporting the dockers?

[bobbyfallon]

I suspect there's something in the FA, UEFA or FIFA rules which may apply. Wasn't Fowler fined for wearing a T-shirt supporting the dockers?

fair play for reading the thread

[Angry Dan]

They probably have the same sort of vague/blanket rule that exists in the armed forces which can be atributed to whatever they sit fit.

My point is I doubt very much that it would stand up to the scrutinty of a proper legal challenge, along the lines of how Bosman challenged the way transfers were previously dealt with.

[Neil Young]

fair play for reading the thread

[Shanks]

though not if they believe he is innocent mate surely

I doubt they had much choice as to whether they wanted to wear it or not.

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

I have never understood why so many people feel he his not guilty when a court in Bulgaria proved the contrary. We should let justice do its job and not interfere with it.

No.. He passed a lie detector test over there and then that was see as not solid evidence.

[Chrono]

No.. He passed a lie detector test over there and then that was see as not solid evidence.

It isn't.

[rage]

the fa can go **** themselves. where were they in holding the police to account for the 96?

the case is clearly flawed and we should protect our own and how they can compare it to the **** of a drink driver is beyond me.

[rage]

can i join the fan club. i know the first 300 may already be taken so i'd be happy with membership no 387 or something

[Neil Young]

can i join the fan club. i know the first 300 may already be taken so i'd be happy with membership no 387 or something

Your name is automatically added to the club when you join Est. We've found it saves having to do it later.

[Woobus]

The Football Association will not take any formal action against Liverpool after their players wore T-shirts carrying a message of support for a fan who was jailed for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian waiter in 2005.

Liverpool players wore the T-shirts in the warm-up for the Barclays Premier League match against West Ham on Monday.

Michael Shields was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of the attempted murder of Martin Georgiev in Bulgaria on a holiday taken after seeing his side win the Champions League final in Istanbul.

Liverpool’s players were seen wearing ’Free Michael now’ T-shirts while warming up ahead of Monday’s televised 0-0 draw with West Ham at Anfield.

Despite another man confessing to the attack, Shields was locked up and his sentence was reduced to 10 years on appeal. He was transferred to the UK to serve the remainder of his sentence, but his supporters have never halted their campaign to prove his innocence.

An FA spokesman said: “We have spoken to Liverpool Football Club today about this matter. We understand that Michael Shields’ case is a very emotive issue and one that many Liverpool players and fans feel strongly about.

“Having heard the club’s explanation we will not be taking any formal action, and we are satisfied that they understand the sensitivities around football matches being used as a platform for political messages.”

A judge at London’s High Court decided last month that Shields’ case should be heard in full by three judges and a judicial review hearing is due to begin tomorrow.

mfl

2 SOCCER Liverpool

Shields insists he did not commit the crime and still remains behind bars despite the best efforts of his family and various local politicians, who have campaigned for his release.

Earlier this year Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov refused to pardon Shields and Justice Secretary Jack Straw has said that he had no power either to pardon or grant Shields an early release.

A FIFA spokesman confirmed the organisation had been liaising with the FA over the matter and said the decision to not discipline the club was down to the host authority.

[Tee]

Almost 20 years ago I visited Liverpool for the very first time. And you know what struck me more than anything else? The feeling of a community - helpful people, decent working class folk... I don't want to patronise the people of Liverpool but it is a city I am immensely proud of.

Personally I did not think the protest on Monday was the right thing to do but I understand the reasons for doing it. I always feel Liverpool has a tight community and the Anfield faithful make that community tighter even more so.

So I fully understand why there would be such strong feeling to protest and help 'one of our own'. Might not agree with it but I completely understand it.

To tag the City as a self-pity place is a cheap shot, it really is. I look at it as a very strong united community - nothing wrong with that.

Living in the South, or London does that to you I suppose, a place where most people don't even know their neighbours. Sure not everyone in Liverpool is a saint but I for one am always made to feel like a guest when I go and I love it.

[Sisterstiffticket]

Mr Shields...

Right...I'll give this one explanation then you can all think what you like.

The way this should have been dealt with is different than this.
If the club felt they should have got involved, then they should have taken the following steps.

1. Get the fellah who claims to have done it, Sankey to go there and say it. Make him the villain for letting this chav shields take the bullet. Have the club barred Sankey for life?

2. Invite Martin Georgiev and his family to Anfield as a show of support for him as the victim in all this. Shields would have more chance of getting justice (if he really is innocent) if the club concentrated on the other side of events. Concentrate on one of their fans who has admitted to battering this geezer to near death and a show of apology to the Bulgarians man and his family.

By doing it the way they have just gets everyones backs up and as I say...people will be saying "Here we go again"

The real victim here was a Bulgar...not a ****ing scouser. And certainly not thousands of them.