Ultra hostile
> Liverpool on brink of Champions League final as tensions mount in Rome
LIVERPOOL RETURN to the scene of two of their most famous European triumphs amid tight security ahead of today’s Champions League semifinal, second leg clash in Rome.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are on the brink of reaching the final of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2007 as they look to defend a three-goal advantage against AS Roma in the Italian capital.
But off-pitch tensions are high as Liverpool supporter Sean Cox lies in a coma after being attacked before last week’s first leg in Anfield.
Two Roma supporters were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and club legend Francesco Totti has appealed for “fair play, hospitality and respect for our opponents”.
But hooligan expert Geoff Pearson said there could be repeat of violence outside the Stadio Olimpico at the hands of Roma’s notorious Giallorossi Ultras.
Liverpool fans were stabbed in Rome in 1984 and 2001 and, in the same year, the official fan coach was attacked by mobs.
Pearson, a professor at Manchester University, exclusively told Daily Star Online: “Roma have always had a violent element in their support.
“Any away visit is a high risk one in terms of football violence, especially for England supporters who are still seen as legitimate targets for attacks due to their past ‘reputation’ for hooliganism.
“Unfortunately the Italian police are largely reactionary when it comes to football policing and have a reputation for being as violent as the ultras can be but it is likely that an official coach convoy to the stadium is the lowest risk of the options available to Liverpool fans.”
Former Roma striker Mohamed Salah scored two brilliant goals and set up two more as Liverpool went five up at Anfield before two late goals gave Roma hope of a potential fightback.
“Liverpool always has to take the slightly more difficult way and it’s again like this,” said Klopp. “We created a basis and now we have to finish it.”
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino added: “Nothing is won so far. There is a possibility of winning the Champions League – but we have a semifinal to finish first.”
“It would be a rare thing to do, a unique moment in our lives, in mine. It’s my first Champions League season.”
Roma have not conceded a goal at home in this year’s Champions League campaign and came back from a 4-1 deficit in their quarterfinal against Barcelona by winning the return leg in the Italian capital 3-0.
“We must have belief and with this mentality, with these fans and this passion around the team, try to perform another miracle – and saying miracle is perfectly fine,” Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco told reporters yesterday.
“At home in Europe this season, we’ve only really struggled against Atletico Madrid,” Di Francesco said.
“Since then we’ve managed to contain our opponents and I hope it’s the same tomorrow. The passion of our fans should give us an extra push.
“Our ambition should be to get to Kiev (for the final). I’ll try and treat this game like any other. I’ve passed on my ideas to the team and will convince them that this is achievable,” Di Francesco added. – AFP/Agencies