FANS FIRED UP BUT NO REPEAT OF BUS SHAME
IT’S just turned 6.20pm and on the corner of Arkles Lane and Anfield Road, the welcoming committee has gathered. They are singing their songs, waving their scarves and plumes of red smoke are billowing down the road.
Arkles Lane has been closed to traffic since 2pm and a row of metal crash barriers has been erected either side of the road.
When Liverpool’s bus arrives, it zooms past. There is, of course, a valid reason. The actions of a mindless few before the quarter-final against Manchester City have ruined it for the many. Liverpool and Merseyside Police cannot afford a repeat.
The police presence is huge. There will not be any trouble here. Word reaches that Roma’s coach has come via another route. The crowd disperses.
The mood is good but, soon, it will turn. There is history between Liverpool and Roma, dating back to the 1984 European Cup final and outside the Albert Pub, a gang of 20 to 30 Roma fans ambush a group of home fans.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as some of the worst violence they have seen. One Liverpool fan is left unconscious as the gang, wielding belts, are hell-bent on causing mayhem. Reports emerge of a similar attack outside The Park pub. The heavy police presence ensures the violence does not explode.
Some suggest that a fan has been stabbed but Liverpool confirm that is not the case. There are concerns, though, about what may lie in wait next week.
Rome may be one of the world’s most beautiful cities but in terms of football, it has a reputation for the dark side and Liverpool will hope that the second leg of this contest passes without incident.
After some early nerves, Liverpool find their rhythm. The mantra for this European campaign has been ‘Allez! Allez! Allez!’ and the song that goes before that chant is being aired frequently.
With Mo Salah shimmering — this was a performance that stood out as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender — his input is enormous in a magical period of football, perhaps the best 25 minutes Liverpool have ever produced under Jurgen Klopp. The noise reflects it and Anfield is a sea of colour.
It should have stayed that way before they carelessly switch off in the final 10 minutes. If this odyssey is to reach the dream conclusion in Kiev, another show of spirit and courage and more besides will be required.