Liverpool fan 'assaulted by Roma supporters wielding belts as weapons' outside Anfield

Robin de Peyer25 April 2018
WEST END FINAL

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A Liverpool fan was reportedly assaulted by Roma supporters who used belts as weapons ahead of the teams’ Champions League clash at Anfield.

Police said they are investigating a “serious assault” ahead of the semi-final first leg tie.

Images and video footage from the scene showed a police cordon in place and a heavy police presence outside the Albert pub next to the stadium.

Reports on social media claimed a group of about 20 Roma supporters attacked a Liverpool fan with belts during the build-up to the tie. One image appeared to show a man lying on the ground surrounded by police officers.

Fans gathered outside the ground ahead of the semi-final tie
Getty Images

Merseyside Police posted a message on Tuesday evening, confirming an incident had taken place and appealing for video footage.

A statement read: "We are investigating a serious assault of a man outside the Albert pub on Walton Breck Rd at about 7.35pm.

Flares were let off outside the ground ahead of the game
REUTERS

"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."

There was an increased police presence around the stadium after Manchester City's team bus had its windows smashed by bottles and cans prior to the quarter-final earlier this month.

The team arrivals passed with no repeat but there were plenty of red flares despite specific requests from the authorities not to bring such pyrotechnics.

Liverpool fans were pictured waving flares from the roof of a police van, though with no apparent aggravation.

Liverpool City Council had provided police with mobile CCTV prior to the match.

Chief superintendent Dave Charnock had appealed for calm prior to the game.

"We are expecting a vibrant atmosphere at Tuesday's match, but our intention is that at the end of the day we will be talking about the game and what happened on the pitch as opposed to off the pitch," he said.

"Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but we will take action where necessary, against those individuals who may seek to cause problems or misbehave and spoil the evening for the majority of supporters.

"We know that this will be a busy operation and we hope that fans attending the match will act as ambassadors for their clubs and enjoy what I am sure will be a good game."

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