LIVERPOOL, England — Two men from Rome were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an assault before a Champions League game that left a Liverpool fan in critical condition, police said Wednesday.
The injured 53-year-old man is being treated in the hospital after being caught up in what Merseyside Police say was an "altercation" between Liverpool and Roma fans outside Anfield ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Liverpool said it is "shocked and appalled" by the incident, which was described by UEFA as a "vile attack."
"The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in and around football," UEFA said, "and we trust they will be dealt with utmost severity by the authorities."
Roma said it condemned the "abhorrent" behaviour of what it described as a minority of travelling fans who "brought shame on the club."
"There is no place for this type of vile behaviour in football and the club is now co-operating with Liverpool Football Club, UEFA and the authorities," Roma said. "The club’s thoughts and prayers are with the 53-year-old Liverpool fan in hospital and his family at this time."
Liverpool won the first leg 5-2. The second will be played in Rome next week.
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