[ZEUS]

FOUR Manchester United fans - jailed after they were arrested on the day of a Reds' match against Roma - have been freed.

Kyle Dillon, Michael Burk, Nicholas Lucas and Richard Wimmer were jailed in Italy in December.

The four men were alleged to have been caught up in violence involving Roma's infamous Ultras on the Duca d'Aosta bridge, near the Stadio Olympico.

And they were sentenced to serve up to two-years and six months, after an abbreviated trial procedure, which was conducted in Italian.

But families and friends of the supporters have continued to protest their innocence.

And earlier today the four men were freed after changing their plea to guilty in a court in Italy.

Worsley MP Barbara Keeley, who has been fighting for the release of constituent Michael Burk, has welcomed the court's decision.

She said: "I have campaigned on this issue since I found out all the problems with the representation and trial process of Michael Burk. I felt it was a wrongful conviction.

"I recently held a debate about the case at Westminster with the Europe Minister, Jim Murphy. The debate helped to publicise the fact that there had been many flaws up to and including the trial of the four Manchester United fans.

"Following this and all the publicity around the case, I am pleased that my constituent has now received a fair hearing and has won back his freedom.

"His family will be delighted to have him home.

"I would like to thank the Manchester Evening News for the excellent coverage given to this case.

"I am sure that MENs reporting was an important factor in turning this case around and bringing justice to the four Manchester United fans."

Michael Burk, 35, from Little Hulton, Salford, and Nicholas Lucas, 18, had been facing jail sentences of two years and five months.

Partially-sighted Kyle Dillon, 23, from Mottram, and Richard Wimmer, 39 , had been facing sentences of two years and six months.

source

I'm curious how quick did they let Roma's fans go?!