Police charge two men after attack on Liverpool fan outside Anfield stadium

The man, since named as 53-year-old father of three Sean Cox, remains in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked outside the stadium ahead of the Champions League semi-final

Merseyside Police have charged two men following an attack on a Liverpool fan outside Anfield on Tuesday night.

The supporter, since named as 53-year-old father of three Sean Cox, remains in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked outside the stadium ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg.

A statement read: "We can confirm that detectives have charged two Italian men following an incident in Anfield on Tuesday, 24 April in which a 53-year-old man was seriously injured. 20-year-old Filippo Lombardi was charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflict grievous bodily harm.

"29-year-old Daniele Sciusco was charged with violent disorder. Both men have been kept in custody to appear at South Sefton Magistrates Court this morning, Thursday 26 April.

"The victim remains in hospital in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre."

Officers were called to the Albert public house shortly before the 7.35pm kick-off, after the victim suffered a serious head injury following an attack from a group of visiting fans.

Uefa are "deeply shocked" with the incident and are awaiting on further reports before handing out any disciplinary charges of their own.

“Uefa is deeply shocked by the vile attack that occurred ahead of Liverpool FC v AS Roma and our thoughts are with the victim and his family," a statement read. "The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in 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."

Fans gathered outside the stadiumn to welcome both teams (Getty Images)

Liverpool said they were "shocked and appalled" and urged fans and those who attended the game to help police with their appeal for information.

Roma condemned the actions of what they call "a small minority" of traveling fans at the game.

"AS Roma condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behavior of a small minority of traveling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma’s well-behaved supporters at Anfield after getting involved in clashes with Liverpool supporters before last night’s fixture," they said in a statement.

"There is no place for this type of vile behavior in football and the club is now cooperating with Liverpool Football Club, UEFA and the authorities. The club’s thoughts and prayers are with the 53-year-old Liverpool fan in hospital and his family at this time."

The family of Mr Cox released a statement via Merseyside Police on Thursday which read: "We want the world to know that Sean is the most amazing and wonderful husband, dad, friend, son, uncle, and brother and he has brought us all nothing but joy.

"He is a truly decent man who adores Liverpool FC and just came over from his home in County Meath, Ireland, to watch his beloved team. We are completely devastated by what has happened to our lovely, caring, Sean and all we want is for him to come home to his loving wife and three children.

"We hope Sean makes a full recovery from the injuries he sustained and that we will all be back together soon as a family in Ireland spending precious time together."

Mr Cox's alleged assailants were among a total of nine men, aged between 20 and 43, who were arrested for various offences before and after the match.

The offences included affray, assault, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a controlled drug, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.

Detectives are also investigating the use of flares outside the ground, the force said.

Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock, said "a number of those in the crowd that had gathered to greet the Liverpool team coach were in possession of flares and work is ongoing to identify those responsible".

He added: "The vast majority of the 52,500 fans attending the game were well behaved and went to watch a good game of football. However, a minority of fans from both Liverpool and Roma were involved in isolated pockets of disorder in the city centre and near to the ground."

Anyone with information or mobile phone footage of the disorder is urged to contact police.