Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Sean is stable but critical, he will be out of induced coma on Monday
Hope for Liverpool victim as two Roma fans charged
DOCTORS hope to take Liverpool fan Sean Cox out of an induced coma on Monday after he suffered a severe bleed to the brain.
The 53-year-old is being treated at the city’s Walton Hospital following an attack on Tuesday night.
Two Roma supporters, Filippo Lombardi, 20, and 29-year-old Daniele Sciusco, appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court yesterday in relation to the assault outside Anfield.
They were remanded in custody. A police officer told the court Mr Cox remained in a “stable but critical” state.
He added: “Sean is in an induced coma until Monday when they will attempt to bring him out. He has suffered a severe bleed on the brain.”
Mr Cox’s wife Martina has travelled from their home in Dunboyne, Co Meath, to be at his bedside.
In their first comment since the attack, relatives said yesterday: “Sean is the most amazing and wonderful husband, dad, friend, son, uncle and brother. He has brought us all nothing but joy.
“He is a truly decent man who adores Liverpool FC and just came over from his home in Co Meath, Ireland, to watch his beloved team.
“We are completely devastated by what has happened to our lovely, caring Sean and all we want is for him to come home to his loving wife and three children.
“We hope Sean makes a full recovery from the injuries he sustained and that we will all be back together soon as a family in Ireland spending precious time together.”
Mr Cox is well-known in Dunboyne and is closely involved with local GAA club St Peter’s, of which he is secretary.
Liverpool are planning to hang one of his team’s shirts in their dressing room ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Stoke at Anfield.
Mr Cox was attacked with a belt and knocked to the ground outside the stadium when a group of Roma fans went on the rampage before Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to Walton Neurological Centre.
Police yesterday charged two Italians in connection with the attack. Lombardi is accused of violent disorder, wounding and inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Sciusco has been charged with violent disorder. Both men are from Rome. They will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 24.
Liverpool FC has offered its “full support” to Mr Cox’s family and said it is liaising with emergency services. On Wednesday, captain Jordan Henderson posted on Instagram: “The only result that matters now is that he recovers. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”