Liverpool fan lies motionless on ground and man seen clutching hammer after 'Roma ultras use belts in attacks on home supporters'
The video will start in 8 Cancel
Get Liverpool FC updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A Liverpool fan is seen lying motionless in the road outside Anfield amid claims Roma ultras used belts in violent clashes before the two clubs' Champions League semi-final match.
Shocking footage shared on Twitter by BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan shows a man lying on his back behind the Kop end at Anfield. A steward is seen making his way towards him.
Liverpool confirmed after the game that a man was left in critical condition following an incident before the match.
The club said: "Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled after a Liverpool supporter was left in a critical condition having been attacked prior to the Champions League fixture against AS Roma.
"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.
"The club has been liaising with the emergency services since the incident occurred and will continue to do so.
(Image: Dan Roan / Twitter)
(Image: @bbcsport_david/Twitter)
"Liverpool FC directs supporters and those in attendance at the game to Merseyside Police’s appeal for information."
Additionally, Merseyside Police confirmed nine men were arrested for offences including attempted murder, affray, Section 47 assault, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a controlled drug, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.
In a separate image, a man is seen clutching a hammer during a melee.
Some accounts on social media suggested a home fan had been stabbed, but a Merseyside Police spokesman said they had not received any such reports.
He said a 'serious assault' had taken place 10 minutes prior to kick-off.
"We are investigating a serious assault of a man outside the Albert pub on Walton Breck Rd at about 7.35pm," he said.
A statement later added: "We can confirm a man has been arrested following an assault near to the Albert public house earlier this evening.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
"He has been taken to a police station where he will be interviewed by detectives. The 53-year-old victim is currently being treated for his injuries.
"Officers are appealing to anyone with information, or mobile phone footage to contact our social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC."
Before the game, a Liverpool posted a video online, describing the carnage.
He said: "I tried to meet my mate here and then all the Roma fans with their belts, they tried to hit the Liverpool fans. They were aggressive and offensive."
Earlier in the evening, men, believed to be Roma supporters, clashed with police in the city centre with an officer dragging one fan to the ground.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Liverpool face Roma bidding to take a lead back to Italy for the second leg next week as they look for a final berth against either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Mo Salah struck twice in the first half of the first leg to put Liverpool in the driving seat on the pitch.
You can follow all the action from Anfield LIVE right here.