Family advised not to see Rob Spray's body after Bulgaria death
The family of Rob Spray have been advised not view the England fan's body – after he was repatriated back to the UK after dying in Bulgaria.
Mr Spray's sister Katie Brown said that they had been "advised against" viewing the 32-year-old's body – as an undertaker said the swelling to his head was so severe that visiting his body could be too distressing.
But this contradicts reports Mr Spray’s family were given from Bulgaria, when they were first told his body was unharmed after he died in police custody ahead of England’s Euro 2020 qualifying game in Sofia.
Ms Brown said: "They haven't said we can't see the body but they have advised us not to. But the undertakers have been absolutely amazing.
"South Staffordshire Police, the coroner and the under takers have all just been amazing with how they helped us."
A digital autopsy and a CT scan will now be carried out on Mr Spray’s body.
A petition calling for the Foreign Office to launch an investigation into the death of Mr Spray, who was from Heath Hayes, has hit 80,000 signatures.
He was said to have been found in a "helpless condition" in the centre of the Bulgarian city and taken to hospital.
Bulgarian authorities said he then began to act aggressively and the police were called, however Mr Spray later died while being transported to a police station.
But his family have denied accusations that he was "aggressive".
The West Brom season ticket holder had travelled to Sofia as part of a group of 11 friends including childhood friend Andrew McMath, who organised the trip for his own 30th birthday celebrations.
More than £25,000 has also been raised for Mr Spray's family via an online fundraising page.
And MP for Cannock Chase, Amanda Milling, met with Mr Spray's family last week and said she will meet with Foreign Office Ministers this week.
