Wrexham football club rallies in support of refugees facing deportation to Nicaragua

Rolando Bertrand Luiz, 21, arrived in the UK with his mother and younger sister just over a year ago after fleeing his native Nicaragua due to his part in anti-establishment demonstrations.

But Rolando faces the prospect of returning to the Central American country, a left-wing dictatorship described by Rolando as a "police state" where political activists often "disappear", after his right to asylum on political grounds was denied by the Home Office, and then the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.

And Bellevue FC, which Rolando is a member of, is campaigning for the decision to be overturned.

The club, which is made primarily up of refugees and other vulnerable people, has launched a petition - already signed by over 1000 people - to raise awareness of Rolando's situation.

Rolando Bertrand Ruiz, 21, Tony Carrion, 26, Aline Ruiz, 52 and Alina Bertrand, 18 - all facing deportation back to the dangerous Nicaragua.

Delwyn Derrick, club secretary, said: "At Bellevue FC we form strong relationships with our players and we would naturally defend all of them.

"Rolando and his family are no different, they are part of our family and we will do everything we can to help them rebuild their lives here in Wrexham.

"When I was first told by Rolando that his appeal was denied, I immediately went about setting up a petition to try and stop this injustice.

"I was sat with co-founder Jimmy Wright and we discussed how we thought a good couple of hundred signatures would be amazing. We never expected to be this close 1,000 in just the first three days."

Rolando, twice held at gunpoint by police officers in Nicaragua, fears for his and family's safety in a country where he says human rights violations are commonplace.

He said: "It's not safe for me and family there - anyone who protests against the brutality of the regime is black listed.

"I've heard reports that police - who work solely for the regime - are waiting at airports for people black listed to come home.

"They grab them and imprison them, or make them disappear."

Bellevue FC finds it "unbelievable" Rolando's plea for asylum has been denied.

Delwyn said: "The judge says that there is no evidence of human rights violations and neither is there a danger to the lives of Rolando and his family, but this is only because human rights organisations are not being allowed in to Nicaragua.

"That fact in itself is enough for me to conclude that there is a real danger."

Rolando Betrand Ruiz with mum Alina Ruiz and sister Alina Bertrand.

Speaking about living in Wrexham, Rolando said: "Life has completely changed for me and my family since coming to Wrexham.

"Since joining Bellevue FC it's helped me so much to integrate into the local society and has built up my confidence so much - I'm so thankful to everyone at the club.

"I love living in Wrexham and want to remain here."

Rolando, who graduated with a Law degree from university in Nicaragua, is currently studying English and Welsh at Coleg Cambria - and hopes to train to be a lawyer in the UK.

Speaking about the campaign, Delwyn said: "The support across social media has been huge and overwhelmingly positive.

"We have received messages of support from people across all walks of live, from Oscar winner Martin Delaney, YouTuber Jake Boys, former Wales keeper Neville Southall and veteran commentator Bryn Law, down to local councillors, the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and AM Lesley Griffiths.

"We've had clubs and fan groups from across Wales, across the UK and even from Germany.

"On top of all of these, there's been countless messages from every day people who just see the difference between right and wrong.

"On behalf of the whole club, we just want to thank everyone so far and just say keep sharing."

You can sign the petition here.