AN IRISHMAN is in a critical condition after being assaulted outside a pub near Anfield before the Champions League semi-final last night.
Merseyside Police have announced this morning that two Italian men have been arrested for attempted murder after the assault before Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Roma at Anfield left a 53-year-old Irish man in a critical condition.
The Irishman is believed to have travelled to the game with his brother.
The two men are believed to be from Rome and are aged 25 and 26.
The assault happened outside the Albert pub, close to Anfield stadium, at around 7.35pm.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and treated the victim, who suffered a head injury.
He was then taken to Walton Neurological Centre where his condition is described as critical.
Police later entered the ground and arrested two men inside the stadium during the game.
Officers investigating are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.
Forensic examinations have been carried out at the scene and CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed.
Liverpool FC issued a statement saying the club was "shocked and appalled".
"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."
Clips posted to Twitter showed clashes between supporters, ambulances in attendance and suggestions that a group of Roma fans had used belts and a hammer as weapons.
Pre-match trouble outside Anfield started when group of Roma fans arrived via Venmore St, burst on to Walton Breck Rd & attacked, many using belts. #LFC fan knocked to floor & received lengthy medical treatment. Skirmishes, projectiles, at least 1 hammer in hand, police arrived pic.twitter.com/Yaby4q5f0Y
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) April 24, 2018
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.
"The vast majority of the 52,500 fans attending the game were well behaved and went to watch a good game of football.
"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.
"We will be reviewing CCTV footage, our own body worn camera footage and working with the club to identify those involved in any of these incidents so we can put them before the courts."
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