Roma fans held for attempted murder after Champions League game
Two men from Rome have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a fight in the run-up to Tuesday's Champions League semi-final.
The men were held in connection to the assault of a Liverpool supporter now fighting for his life in hospital.
Witnesses reported that the victim was hit by a belt and fell to the ground near the Albert pub at around 7.35pm.
He is believed to be suffering from a head injury and is currently in a critical condition at Walton neurological centre in Liverpool.
Believed to be from Ireland, he was visiting Liverpool to watch the game with his brother when he was attacked.
The alleged assault happened during an outbreak of violence surrounding the Champions League semi-final, held at Anfield between Liverpool and Roma on Tuesday.
The held men were among nine arrested for offences including assault, affray, possession of controlled drugs, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly both before and after the match.
Videos posted to Twitter showed clashes between fans both before and after the game.
"The vast majority of the 52,500 fans attending the game were well behaved and went to watch a good game of football," Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock said.
"However, a minority of fans from both Liverpool and Roma were involved in isolated pockets of disorder in the city centre and near to the ground."
He added that police would be reviewing footage from CCTV and body cams and were appealing to witnesses who may have been at the scene for more information.
In a statement Liverpool FC said it was "shocked and appalled" that a supporter had been left in a critical condition after being attacked.
"Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time," they said. "We will be offering them our full support."
Liverpool beat Roma 5-2 in the game, but the Italian side will attempt to claw back their place in the second leg at home next week.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was the outstanding player in the match, scoring twice and setting up goals for Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
