A SHAMROCK Rovers fan who was detained in a Bulgarian prison has been released following efforts by the Irish government and the football club.
Daniel Fulham (28) from Tallaght, South Dublin was in Bulgaria to watch his favourite side Rovers play in a Champions League game on Tuesday.
But upon returning on a bus with fans Daniel was left shocked when authorities detained him and questioned the validity of his passport.
His distraught mother Noeleen, who is the founder of Tree of Hope, took to social media to plea for Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney to intervene.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror earlier today, Noeleen told how she briefly got to speak to Daniel before he was imprisoned.
“I was on the phone to him for about two minutes. He told me ‘Mam, I’m terrified.’
“I don’t understand how this could happen to him. He’s the cleanest, nicest person and a prime example to young people. He never gets in trouble for anything.
“He’s a die-hard Rovers fan and he travels around with them non stop,” she explained.
Noeleen’s appeal led to Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney tweeting earlier today that his Department was working on getting Daniel released.
“My department and our embassies are working on this,” he said in response to a lengthy post by Shamrock Rovers themselves calling for Daniel to be brought home.
Then, this afternoon, Daniel himself took to his Twitter page and announced that he is on his way home.
“Really appreciate all the concerns and incredible work from everyone involved to help me get home. I should be on a flight home to Dublin tonight,” he tweeted.
In a follow-up tweet Shamrock Rovers said:
“Great news! Daniel has been released and is now in the process of making his way home.
“Thanks to a number of politicians and @dfairl in getting this resolved quickly.
“The club has arranged and paid for the flight home and we look forward to seeing Dan at Saturday's game.”
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