England fan in Bulgaria ‘died in police custody in suspicious circumstances’ says sister

AN England fan who died in Sofia on Monday night in “suspicious circumstances” before the Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria has been named.

Rob Spray, 32, was a die-hard West Bromwich Albion supporter and had travelled to watch the Three Lions match with friends.

The 32-year-old fan had been found in “a helpless state” near the centre of the capital Sofia at 10am on Monday just hours before the Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria, which was married by racist chants against England players.

Mr Spray was taken to hospital by ambulance, but staff alerted police after he suddenly began behaving aggressively and threatening staff, the Interior Ministry said.

Officials said he collapsed and died on his way to a Sofia police station.

But Mr Spray’s sister, Katie Brown, said today: “We don’t know what’s happened but he died in police custody in suspicious circumstances.”

She said his family had been left “absolutely broken” by his death, which is being investigated by Bulgarian authorities.

We don’t know what’s happened but he died in police custody in suspicious circumstances

England fan's sister, Katie Brown

More than £12,000 has already been raised on GoFundMe to support his family and bring his body home.

Mr Spray, a Baggies season ticket holder from Cannock, Staffs, was described as “one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet”.

Paying tribute to him on Facebook, devastated pal Steve Overton said:  “I love you very much my friend.

“This news has had a massive impact on everyone that was lucky to have known you.

“You were a fantastic lad, a great character and we will all miss you for the rest of our lives.”

Another pal said: “Don’t know exactly what’s happened but we do know Spray was the nicest, softest lad anyone ever met.

“What happened is nothing but a tragedy. We all need to come together to support Spray’s family as much as we can.”

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior said Mr Spray was discovered in a “helpless condition” in Sofia city centre at 10am on the day of the game  

The Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died following an incident in Sofia.”

It comes as six Bulgaria fans were arrested for racially abusing England players in Monday night’s Euro 2020 qualifier, with 15 identified by police.

Today, cops swooped after tracking down fans accused of targeting Three Lions players during the match in Sofia, which England won 6-0.

More to follow…