Man 53, in critical condition after being attacked by Roma fans:

A 53-year-old man remains in a vital condition after he was assaulted outside Anfield before Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Roma.

Source: http://jadoo51.com/man-53-in-critical-condition-after-being-attacked-by-roma-fans/

Two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Merseyside Police said.

The victim, believed to be a Liverpool fan from Ireland, has a head injury and is being treated in hospital.

In a statement, Liverpool FC said it was "shocked and appalled" and would be offering the victim "our full support".

The attack happened outside The Albert pub in Walton Breck Road before kick-off.

Det Insp Paul Speight said: "Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground.

"His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed."

It is not known where on the island of Ireland the victim comes from.


About 80 Roma fans are thought to have used a side road to reach an area where Liverpool supporters had gathered.

One supporter was seen motionless on the road and another fan carrying a hammer.

The pre-match trouble started at 19:05 BST when a "group of Roma fans arrived via Venmore Street, burst on to Walton Breck Road and attacked, many using belts".


Liverpool fans claimed up to 20 Roma supporters armed with bats and belts charged and attacked outside The Albert.

Student Ryan Ellis, 22, said: "It was horrible to see, some had bats and others were swinging at people with belts with buckles out.

"They were beaten back by Liverpool fans and then the police on horseback charged."

One steward said: "I saw the badly injured fan on the ground. He seemed unconscious and paramedics put an oxygen mask over his face and took him to hospital."

Builder Mark Wilson, 39, said: "There were about 20 Roma fans who charged and were hitting out at people with belts.

"Liverpool fans then threw bottles and cans at them and chased them off."


In a statement, the Italian side said it condemned 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".

A club spokesman said there was "no place for this type of vile behaviour in football" and they were "co-operating" with the authorities.

European football's governing body, Uefa, condemned the "vile attack" and could initiate disciplinary charges.

A spokesman said: "Uefa is deeply shocked by the vile attack that occurred ahead of the Liverpool FC v AS Roma match and our thoughts are with the victim and his family.

"The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in and around football and we trust they will be dealt with utmost severity by the authorities.

"Uefa is waiting to receive full reports before deciding on potential disciplinary charges."


Seven men, aged between 20 and 43, have been arrested for offences including affray, assault, possession of offensive weapons and criminal damage, Merseyside Police said.

Ch Supt Dave Charnock said fans from both sides had been "involved in isolated pockets of disorder".

He said detectives were also investigating the use of flares outside Anfield stadium prior to the game.

"A number of those in the crowd that had gathered to greet the Liverpool team coach were in possession of flares and work is ongoing to identify those responsible and to establish if offences have been committed".

na WA OH

A