Tragic Ulsterman's friends dedicate trip to his memory

Three pals of Alan Drennan hit the road to France “in loving memory” of the mechanic and music lover.

His favourite song was Satellite by Above And Beyond and a banner made by friends included the words ‘You’re half a world away’ – lyrics from the track.

The massive decorated Northern Ireland flag was hung from some trees in the centre of Lyon ahead of Northern Ireland’s victory over Ukraine last night.

The 21-year-old from Newtownabbey was allegedly beaten by Spanish police.

Scott Rainey said his friend would have liked to have been at the Euros.

He added: “If we were here, he would have been here.”

Mr Drennan died on the sun island last July, less than a day after touching down.

Friends who accompanied him to the Mediterranean on holiday claim he suffered head injuries after being hit by officers from the Guardia Civil at the airport.

A post-mortem carried out by Spanish authorities reported that he had suffered organ failure.

They failed to mention any injuries and police initially denied he had been injured.

A second post-mortem carried out in Dublin almost two weeks later confirmed Mr Drennan had suffered injuries to his face and head.

Mr Drennan went out partying with his friends after the incident but was found dead in his hotel room the next day.