England fan who died in Bulgaria named as over £12k is raised for his family

An England fan who died in Sofia on Monday night before the Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria has been named by friends.

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

More than £12,000 has already been raised in an online appeal to support his family and bring his body home.

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

His sister Katie Brown wrote on Facebook : “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.

Another friend 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 found 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.”

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