ATTEMPTED MURDER SPARKS ROME SAFETY FEARS

FEARS are growing over the safety of Liverpool fans heading to Rome for next week’s Champions League second leg. Around 5,000 supporters with tickets — and thousands without — are expected to travel to Rome next Wednesday as Jurgen Klopp (right) attempts to guide Liverpool to the final. However, the notorious reputation of the home side’s ultras and shocking scenes before Tuesday’s first leg at Anfield have sparked concerns over the wellbeing of those fans. One Liverpool fan, Sean Cox, 53, of County Meath, Ireland, was left in a critical condition after being hit with a belt by Roma thugs and suffering a head injury before kick-off. Two men from Rome, aged 20 and 29, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Liverpool and Roma both issued statements condemning the attack, while UEFA described the events as ‘vile’ and added they would wait to receive full reports before deciding on potential disciplinary action. Liverpool supporter group Spirit of Shankly say the attack raises questions over the safety of those travelling to Rome. Discussions between the group, Liverpool and Merseyside Police are ongoing. Sportsmail understands that while a match commander and ‘dedicated football officers’ from Merseyside will travel to Italy, their powers on foreign soil are limited and they will be unable to intervene should trouble break out. Instead, it is anticipated that British police will be at Rome’s airports where they will hand out safety advice. It is also expected an alcohol ban will be in place outside the ground. Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock warned those without tickets not to travel and confirmed that British officers would be in Italy. ‘The force is working closely with the Italian authorities and AS Roma to ensure this great occasion can be enjoyed by fans in a safe environment,’ he said. Liverpool may also speak to their counterparts at Chelsea after a number of their fans were attacked by thugs with iron bars ahead of their Champions League group match in Rome in October. Attacks on fans of English clubs in Rome are nothing new. In 2001 six were stabbed before Liverpool’s UEFA Cup fourth-round tie against Roma while, in 2006, three Middlesbrough supporters were knifed during clashes with Roma ultras. And in 2007, five Manchester United fans were taken to hospital with stab wounds after violence flared inside the Stadio Olimpico. United accused baton-wielding Italian police of carrying out ‘indiscriminate beatings’ on innocent supporters.