Uefa 'deeply shocked' after 'vile attack' on Liverpool fan ahead of Champions League semi-final

Merseyside Police arrested two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was seriously injured before the game

Uefa are "deeply shocked" after ugly scenes outside Anfield marred Liverpool's win over Roma in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday evening.

Merseyside Police arrested two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was seriously injured before the game.

Officers were called to the Albert public house shortly before the 7.35pm kick-off, after the victim - believed to be from Ireland - suffered a serious head injury. He was taken to Walton Neurological Centre, where his condition has been described as critical.

“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."

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

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. Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground.

Fans gathered to welcome the two teams to Anfield (Getty Images)

"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. His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed."

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 Liverpool fan'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.