This is Lancashire
By Staff Reporter
CONSULAR officials have visited a Little Hulton builder in a Rome jail after he and three others were accused of assault and resisting arrest before Manchester United's game against Roma last week.
Mike Burke, a 35-year-old father, and the three other British fans are due to appear in court on Friday.
Their families are hoping the charges will be thrown out and they will be allowed to fly home in time for Christmas.
If they are found guilty of the offences, allegedly committed outside the Stadio Olimpico before the Reds' 1-1 draw with Roma, then they could face up to seven weeks in prison.
Mr Burke's partner, Carmon Ducker, is anxiously waiting for news and is adamant that he would not get involved in soccer violence.
Five Manchester United fans were stabbed as trouble flared among some 50 rival fans on a bridge near the stadium.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "I can confirm that Mr Burke is in prison and that the next court hearing is scheduled for December 21.
"The charge is resisting arrest and assault. We are providing consular assistance but there are no indications of what is likely to happen at the next hearing."
The spokesman added: "Conditions are generally good in Italian jails. We have not had any concerns about the prison where they are being held."
