2 CHARGED OVER KOP ‘AMBUSH’
Roma fans appear in court
TWO Italians were in the dock yesterday over the attack that left a Liverpool fan fighting for life following this week’s Champions League match.
Sean Cox suffered a severe head injury when Ultras from Italian side Roma’s hardcore hooligan group allegedly set upon him on Tuesday.
The 53-year-old Irishman was visiting Merseyside to watch the semi-final with his brother when he was “beaten” outside The Albert pub near Anfield.
Filippo Lombardi, 20, and Daniele Sciusco, 29, appeared at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with violent disorder.
No pleas were indicated and both men were remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 24. Dad-of-three Sean is being cared for in the city’s Walton Neurological Centre.
His wife and family have travelled from his home in Dunboyne, Co Meath, to be with him. Trouble broke out before the game as 50,000 fans descended on Anfield, including 5,000 fans from Italy. Fighting broke out near The Albert pub before kick-off with Roma fans using belts as weapons when Mr Cox was critically injured.
Roma fan Eduardo Ranalli, 29, was yesterday ordered to pay £415 after admitting throwing coins during the game, which Liverpool won 5-2. Liverpool and Roma both condemned the violence and Uefa is awaiting information from the police before deciding its next step.