Liverpool vs Roma: Lawyer representing Italian men charged over violence says both clubs should be punished

Two Italian men have been charged over violence outside Anfield before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final against Roma

A group of Roma fans attacked Liverpool supporters ahead of kick-off (Getty)

The lawyer representing two Roma supporters charged with attacking a Liverpool fan has blamed the local authorities for not listening to Italian warnings, suggesting that Uefa punish both clubs.

Sean Cox, a 53-year-old businessman from Dunboyne, Co Meath, suffered serious head injuries in an unprovoked attack outside Anfield stadium on Tuesday, ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg between the two clubs.

Filippo Lombardi, 20, was charged with violent disorder and wounding, and Daniele Sciusco, 29, was charged with violent disorder by Merseyside Police. Both men were due to appear before magistrates in South Sefton on Thursday morning.

Sean Cox remains in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre (Dunboyne GAA/Twitter)

The pair were both known to the Italian authorities as members of the Fedayn ultras group, but they travelled to Liverpool separately from the rest of the Roma supporters. Their lawyer has blamed Merseyside Police for the attack, accusing them of allowing the two men “to do whatever they wanted”.

“There was terrible policing of public order outside the stadium,” lawyer Lorenzo Contucci told AGI news agency.

“The competent authorities had been warned, but there was not a single policeman following these fans from the city centre to the stadium. They were happily allowed to do whatever they wanted.

“Seeing as the serious error was made by the local police, if Roma are to be punished, then I think Uefa also need to look at Liverpool for the senseless approach to public order.

“Within 28 days, the two fans will go to trial, but the accusation of attempted murder has been dropped. In case they are found guilty, their sentences will depend on whether the injuries sustained are considered voluntary or not.

“I spoke to the two lads and they both deny the charges. At the moment, one has been charged with violent disorder and the other with inflicting grievous bodily harm.”

The violence occurred before Liverpool's 5-2 win (Getty)

Liverpool have meanwhile taken the “exceptional” step of requesting a meeting with Uefa, Roma and Italian police to address concerns over fan safety at next week's Champions League tie.

The Independent understands the club have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of detailed arrangements in response to their request for clarity on a number of security issues for Wednesday's semi-final second leg and want the issues sorted on Friday.

Liverpool have sold 5,000 tickets for the match and are keen to get assurances over safety. And despite several meetings and lengthy correspondence they remain troubled by the lack of evidence of planning put in place.

Liverpool want answers on issues like plans for a safe shuttle service for fans from the Stadio Olimpico - with the club prepared to meet additional costs - what time turnstiles open, which areas of the city are to be avoided and what safe routes are available if there is no shuttle service.

Liverpool have sold 5,000 tickets for the second leg (Getty)

Supporters also face identity checks at the turnstiles after Roma requested each ticket be individually named, creating concerns there could be significant bottlenecks entering the stadium.

A delegation from the club, which raised fears immediately after the draw was made, was due to travel to Rome on Thursday in the hope of getting some answers.

A statement from the club read: “The club has taken the exceptional measure of requesting an extraordinary meeting in the Italian capital, which will take place on Friday, April 27.

“Present at the meeting will be all the major stakeholders, who share responsibility for the wellbeing of Liverpool supporters making the journey to watch the Champions League tie.

“At the behest of Liverpool, club officials will join AS Roma, Uefa and the relevant Italian police and security services to discuss specific on-going concerns.

“Liverpool have sought clarity on a number of issues surrounding the matchday operation since the draw was made and is hoping this extraordinary meeting will provide the necessary reassurances and essential information.

“This, if provided, will allow the club to fully inform supporters of the measures that will be in place.

“The club thanks its fans for their on-going engagement on this issue and would hope to provide a detailed update following the meeting."

Liverpool's fans travel to Roma next week (Getty)

Supporters without tickets have been advised not to travel to the Italian capital for the tie, which Liverpool lead 5-2 from the first leg. (Additional reporting by Press Association.)