Merseyside Police arrest two men on suspicion of attempted murder following incident before Liverpool-Roma match
Written by News on 25/04/2018
Merseyside Police have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was seriously injured before Liverpool’s Champions League game with Roma at Anfield on Tuesday night.
A 53-year-old man was injured in the incident, which occurred outside the Albert Pub – close to Anfield’s famous Kop Stand – where fans were gathering before kick-off of the semi-final first-leg match.
Detective Inspector Paul Speight said: “We believe the victim was in Liverpool with his brother for the Liverpool v Roma semi-final and was assaulted during an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans near to the Albert pub at about 7.35pm.
“Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground. Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Walton Neurological Centre, where he is being treated for a head injury. His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed.
“The place where this incident occurred is right by the ground and was heaving with fans making their way to the game. I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage of the incident, to contact us urgently, as information they have could be vital to our investigation.”
The two men arrested, aged 25 and 26 from Rome, have been taken to a police station where they will be questioned by detectives.
A Liverpool statement said: “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.”
UEFA also condemned the attack in a statement: “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.”
Trouble before Liverpool’s quarter-final clash with Manchester City, which saw City’s team bus damaged by missiles, saw extra police on hand ahead of the match on Tuesday.
Supporters flooded the streets around the ground and welcomed Liverpool’s bus with a now familiar cloud of red smoke.
But Roma’s bus was not sent down the same route as the home side, coming down the traditional route for Premier League matches and away from where the majority of supporters had congregated.
(c) Sky News 2018: Merseyside Police arrest two men on suspicion of attempted murder following incident before Liverpool-Roma match
