SUSPENDED Kent firefighter Garry Mann is to be allowed to return to work at Faversham fire station.

The 47-year-old was charged after a riot in Portugal during the Euro 2004 football championships.

The Birmingham City fan was sentenced to two years in prison in Portugal in June, but was deported instead of jailed.

He was suspended on full pay while the case continued, but his employers have said the allegations do not affect his ability to fight fires.

Mr Mann, a firefighter for 26 years, has always insisted he was not involved with the riot and is totally innocent.

His next court hearing is on November 22 in Uxbridge, Middlesex, where police are seeking an order to ban him from attending football matches.

He has already appealed to the court in Albufeira against the speed of his trial and is now appealing to the constitutional court in Lisbon. He is being helped in his appeal by charity Fair Trials Abroad.

A spokesman for Kent Fire Brigade said: "Firefighter Garry Mann was suspended from duty in June pending the outcome of an internal investigation of allegations made against him regarding his activities while off duty.

"Due to protracted legal proceedings those allegations have not yet been substantiated.

"Whilst it is recognised that the allegations made against him are of a serious nature, it is felt that they do not affect his ability to carry out his role as a firefighter and therefore he has been allowed to return to work. However, the matter still remains under investigation."