Two arrests after fan fights for life

TWO men from Rome have been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a Liverpool supporter after an altercation ahead of the Champions League semi-final at Anfield.

The man, believed to be from Ireland and with his brother, is being treated for his injuries at Walton Neurological Centre, where his condition is described as critical, Merseyside Police said.

The 25-year-old and 26-year-old were arrested after police launched an operation to track down the man’s assailants amid scenes of violent disorder ahead of the match.

Liverpool FC said it was “shocked and appalled” by the incident and urged fans and those who attended the game to help police with their appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Paul Speight said: “We believe the victim was in Liverpool with his brother for the Liverpool v Roma semi-final and was assaulted during an altercation between fans near to the Albert pub at around 7.35pm.

“Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground. “Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Walton Neurological Centre, where he is being treated for a head injury.

“His condition is described as critical and his next of kin have been informed.”

The Liverpool fan’s alleged assailants were among a total of nine men, aged between 20 and 43, who were arrested for various offences before and after the match.

The offences included affray, assault, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a controlled drug, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.

Detectives are also investigating the use of flares outside the ground, the force said.

Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock said “a number of those in the crowd that had gathered to greet the Liverpool team coach were in possession of flares and work is ongoing to identify those responsible”.

He added: “The vast majority of the fans attending the game were well-behaved.

“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.”

In a statement, Liverpool FC said: “Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time.

“We will be offering them our full support.”

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The Albert pub.