The man is in critical condition and two Italian men have been arrested for attempted murder.
AS Roma have released a statement following the violent attacks that occurred before the Champions League semi-final at Anfield.
A 53-year-old Irish man has been left in a critical condition following the attack. No further details on the victim have yet been released. Here’s what AS Roma have to say:
“AS Roma condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behaviour of a small minority of travelling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma’s well-behaved supporters at Anfield after getting involved in clashes with Liverpool supporters before last night’s fixture.
There is no place for this type of vile behaviour in football and the club is now cooperating with Liverpool Football Club, UEFA and the authorities.
The club’s thoughts and prayers are with the 53-year-old Liverpool fan in the hospital and his family at this time.”
The Merseyside Police also released a statement, they said:
“Merseyside Police can confirm that two men, aged 25 and 26 years from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was seriously injured before the Champions League semi-final game this evening.
[They] were arrested inside the ground after officers carried out a number of proactive inquiries in a bid to identify those involved in the incident.
Officers were called to the Albert public house at about 7.35pm following reports that a man, believed to be 53 years from Ireland, had been seriously assaulted.
Paramedics attended at the scene and the victim, who suffered a head injury, was taken to Walton Neurological Centre where his condition is described as critical. During one incident a 53-year-old man, believed to be a Liverpool fan, was assaulted near to the ground during what is believed to have been an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans. He is currently being treated for his injuries at Walton Neurological Centre, where his condition is described as critical. Two men, aged 25 and 26 years from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and have been taken to a police station where they will be interviewed by detectives.”
Liverpool FC also issued a statement on the issue saying:
“Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled after a Liverpool supporter was left in a critical condition having been attacked prior to the Champions League fixture against AS Roma.
Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time. We will be offering them our full support.
The club has been liaising with the emergency services since the incident occurred and will continue to do so.
Liverpool FC directs supporters and those in attendance at the game to Merseyside Police’s appeal for information.”