Italian fans arrested for attempted murder following attack outside Anfield ground

LONDON, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Two men from Rome in their mid-20s were arrested ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final clash at Anfield, police in Liverpool confirmed Wednesday.

Police in the city said a 53-year-old man from Ireland is in hospital in a critical condition after he was attacked outside the stadium before the game which Liverpool won 5-2.

Detectives are interviewing the two Italians on suspicion of attempted murder.

Rival fans from Liverpool and Roma were involved in a number of clashes in the hour before the game kicked off.

In a statement Liverpool FC 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."

Detective Inspector Paul Speight from Merseyside Police said: "Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground. His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed."

The area where the alleged attack occurred was sealed off to enable a police forensic team to examine the crime scene.

Media reports said about 80 Roma fans are thought to have used a side road to reach an area where Liverpool supporters had gathered ahead of the game.

Liverpool fans told local media up to 20 Roma supporters armed with bats and belts charged and attacked them outside The Albert public house, close to the entrance to the stadium. One supporter was seen motionless on the road and while one man was pictured carrying a hammer.

Liverpool fan Ryan Ellis, a 22 years old student, said: "It was horrible to see, some had bats and others were swinging at people with belts with buckles out. They were beaten back by Liverpool fans and then the police on horseback charged."

AS Roma in a statement condemned in the strongest possible terms "the abhorrent behaviour of a small minority of travelling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma's well-behaved supporters".

A spokesman said there was "no place for this type of vile behaviour in football" . The club said it was co-operating with the authorities.

UEFA, European football's governing body, also condemned the attack and warned it could initiate disciplinary charges.

A UEFA spokesperson said: "Uefa is deeply shocked by the vile attack that occurred ahead of the Liverpool FC v AS Roma match and our thoughts are with the victim and his family. The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in and around football and we trust they will be dealt with utmost severity by the authorities. Uefa is waiting to receive full reports before deciding on potential disciplinary charges." Enditem