FOOTBALL FAN LOSES EXTRADITION FIGHT OVER PORTUGAL RIOT

Garry Mann and family

THE GUARDIAN - MARK TRAN

Football fan loses extradition fight over Portugal riot.

European court of human rights rejects appeal by Gary Mann, sentenced for inciting riot at Euro 2004 tournament

Football fan Gary Mann could be sent to Portugal tomorrow to serve a two-year sentence for his role in a riot during Euro 2004 after losing an extradition battle.

Mann, 52, a retired Kent firefighter, was arrested three hours after the riot in Albufeira on the Algarve and convicted within 24 hours under a fast-track process brought in for the championships. The court had one English-speaking interpreter, two lawyers representing 12 men and little opportunity for the accused to call witnesses.

His case was taken up by Fair Trials International, which defends the rights of those facing charges in a country other than their own.

Rebecca Shaeffer, Mann's case worker at Fair Trials International, said: "This case is an example of why the European arrest system needs to be reformed. It is a case where the UK is not protecting its citizens."

Shaeffer said the Portuguese authorities were under the impression that Mann would serve his two-year sentence in the UK, whereas Mann and the British consular authorities thought deportation was the punishment.

"There seems to confusion because of the emergency legislation that was brought in for the championship," she said.

The group argues that the objective of the European arrest warrant, which is to facilitate the quick return of fugitives, has to be balanced with human rights.