Sofia prepares for red invasion

CSKA Sofia have been drawn against Liverpool in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The first leg is due to be played at the Bulgarian Army Stadium on either the 9th or 10th of August, assuming that CSKA progress against KF Tirana of Albania, which is expected as they lead 2-0 from the first leg. Liverpool are the holders of the Champions League, having beaten AC Milan on penalties in the final last season after coming from 3-0 down in a match regarded as one of the most thrilling in football history. Sofia residents should expect a large influx of Liverpool fans, who reputation and recent history suggest are both friendly and peaceful, despite the recent jailing of Liverpool fan Michael Shields for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman near Varna. Mr Shields maintains that he is innocent and a campaign is under way in Liverpool to free him. Another British man has since confessed to the crime but not in a manner acceptable to Bulgarian courts.