Liverpool escape FA censure for T-shirt protest

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

The players wore tops bearing the words "Free Michael now" while warming up ahead of Monday's televised 0-0 draw with West Ham at Anfield. 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. 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 Britain 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 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 High Court judge has decided that Shields' case should be heard in full by three judges and a judicial review hearing is due to begin today.