Two Roma fans arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Liverpool fan left fighting for life following Anfield attack
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Two Roma fans have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a Liverpool fan was left fighting for life following an attack near Anfield this evening.
Two men, aged 25 and 26 from Rome, were held last night and are set to be quizzed by officers after the 53-year-old victim was critically injured.
Police were called to the Albert public house at about 7.35pm, prior to the Champions League clash against Roma, following reports that a man, believed to be from Ireland, had been seriously assaulted.
Paramedics attended at the scene and the victim, who suffered a head injury, was taken to Walton Neurological Centre where his condition is described as critical.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and have information which could help them with their inquiries to contact them immediately.
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 Roma and Liverpool fans near to the Albert pub at about 7.35pm.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
“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.
(Image: PA)
"His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed.
“The place where this incident occurred is right by the ground and was heaving with fans making their way to the game.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
"I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage of the incident to contact us urgently, as information they have could be vital to our investigation.”
Liverpool Football Club said they are "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."
(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
They added: "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. "