I miss Sean, our children miss their dad... we’re trying to get on as best we can Wife of attacked Liverpool fan says family’s lives have been ‘turned upside down’
THE wife of a Liverpool fan left seriously injured in an attack outside Anfield has said her life has been “turned upside down”.
Sean Cox was assaulted less than an hour before the Champions League semi-final against Roma kicked off.
His wife Martina said her husband “went to a match in April and never came home”.
She added the impact on the family from Dunboyne, Co Meath, had been “difficult”.
She told BBC Sport: “I miss Sean, our children miss their dad.
“We’re trying to muddle through it and do the best we can. Sean would want us to get on with our lives and we’re trying as best we can.”
Mrs Cox said the father of three suffered a “life-changing, horrific fall” outside the Albert pub after he was struck at the back and side of the head.
The 53-year-old received a third knock while on the ground. She added her husband, a life-long Liverpool supporter, is making good progress and can recognise family members but is still unable to talk, walk or sit up unaided.
Roma fan Filippo Lombardi, 21, from the Italian capital, was cleared last month of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Cox, though he was jailed for three years for violent disorder.
Daniele Sciusco, 29, also from Rome, Martina Cox speaks to the BBC admitted violent disorder ahead of the match and was jailed for two-and-a-half years in August.
Mr Cox is currently at a rehabilitation centre in
Dun Laoghaire.
A Gofundme page to help support his treatment recently reached €400,000 in donations. The family has received support from Roma, who handed over €150,000, and soccer figures including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Ireland and Everton defender Seamus Coleman. Mr Cox’s brothers Martin and Peter said the family has been overwhelmed by the support they had received from Liverpool, including Everton followers. Mrs Cox added: “The fans have been absolutely amazing and the club has promised to support Sean.” And she praised Roma for donating and assisting with fundraising.
Mrs Cox said she believed her husband’s determination will help aid his recovery.
She added: “Obviously the goal is to get him home, that’s what we all want, all his family want, and he belongs here with us.”
Sean Cox and, left, players show their support