Michael Shields is Anfield guest of honour

by Simon Boyle at Anfield. Published Sat 12 Sep 2009 18:18, Last updated: 2009-09-13

Michael Shields with his sister

Michael Shields, the Liverpool fan who was pardoned this week by Justice Secretary Jack Straw after a high-profile campaign to clear his name, received a rapturous reception at Anfield today.

Shields, who is a member number one of the Spirit of Shankly Liverpool FC supporters club, attended the game as a guest of the club.

He enjoyed the match with family and friends from comfortable leather seats in the directors box, alongside such club greats as Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish.

After the game, he is expected to enjoy a VIP champagne reception as the club’s guest.

Shields entered the box wearing a plain white t-shirt and a beaming smile, to a rousing chorus of the club's famous anthem, "You'll Never Walk Alone". As the cameras closed in on his face, Michael looked emotional and highly moved by the jubilant reception.

Taking his seat, fans from around the stadium chanted his name and cheered, many turning around in their seats to wave to him and show their support.

Throughout the build up, fans in Anfield's famous Kop end waved flags and displayed banners which read; "Welcome Home Michael" and "Free at Last".

The campaign for his release had been supported by a number of high-profile names at the club, including Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, who spoke of their delight at news of his release last week.

Michael has been at the centre of a four and a half year legal battle, after he was jailed for an attack on Bulgarian barman Martin Giorgiev, on 30th May 2005. He was in the country along with thousands of fellow supporters for Liverpool’s champions league final victory in nearby Istanbul.

His pardon was announced last week, after a review by Justice Secretary Jack Straw found that evidence proving Michael’s innocence had not been appropriately considered by the Bulgarian courts, and he returned home to his family on Wednesday.

Today was the first time Michael had been seen at the club since his release, and was clearly elated to be able to enjoy watching his team’s emphatic victory.