Michael Shields is back in the UK, 19 months after the cup returned

Liverpool fan Michael Shields has finally arrived back in the UK, 19 months after the club left the Turkish capital holding aloft the European Cup.

Shields, who is now 20, arrived at Gatwick airport a couple of hours ago.

Turkish officials only allowed Shields to return to a UK prison after payment of a £90,000 fine, an amount raised mainly due to supporters contributions and charity events, but also unfortunately with a smaller loan.

His mother Maria was speaking to the BBC earlier and said:

"It's a relief that we are getting him home to England, but our next step is to the Court of Human Rights to take his case there.

"It is just so sad that he's being brought to a prison, he should be being brought to his home."

She gave special mention to the people on Merseyside and Liverpool supporters worldwide, saying: "If it wasn't for the majority of people helping us we would never have been able to bring Michael home," she added.

His father, also called Michael, said: "He has spent too much time behind bars already and the fight will not stop here, we will continue to campaign to get my son free."

Michael is expected to be held at Wandsworth Prison before hopefully being moved nearer home. An appeal is being lodged with the European Court of Human Rights.

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