Irish Liverpool Fan In Critical Condition Following Assault At Anfield Last Night

James Fenton

Police in England have confirmed that a 53-year-old Irishman is in a critical condition following an assault outside Anfield football stadium in Liverpool last night.

The incident occurred outside the ground prior to the Champions League semi-final which took place between Liverpool and Roma. Two men, aged 25 and 26 from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. It is believed the man was assaulted with a belt.

A statement by Merseyside Police reads:

‘Merseyside Police can confirm that two men, aged 25 and 26 years from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was seriously injured before the Champions League semi-final game this evening (Tuesday, 24 April 2018).

‘The man was arrested inside the ground after officers carried out a number of proactive inquiries in a bid to identify those involved in the incident.

Officers were called to the Albert public house at about 7.35pm following reports that a man, believed to be 53 years from Ireland, had been seriously assaulted.’

Two men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after 53-year-old man assaulted before the Champions League semi-final. https://t.co/v6yIV4VohC

— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) April 24, 2018

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. 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.’