Merseyside Police investigating ‘serious assault’ ahead of Liverpool-Roma clash

A man was attacked outside Anfield before kick-off

Police are investigating “a serious assault” following reports a Liverpool fan was attacked ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma at Anfield.

Merseyside Police posted a message on Tuesday evening, confirming an incident had taken place and appealing for video footage.

A statement read: “We are investigating a serious assault of a man outside the Albert pub on Walton Breck Rd at about 7.35pm.

“Officers are appealing to anyone with information, or mobile phone footage to contact our social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.”

Such video footage does appear to exist, with clips posted to twitter showing clashes between supporters, ambulances in attendance and suggestions that a group of Roma fans had used belts as weapons.

There was an increased police presence around the stadium after Manchester City’s team bus had its windows smashed by bottles and cans prior to the quarter-final earlier this month.

The team arrivals passed with no repeat but there were plenty of red flares despite specific requests from the authorities not to bring such pyrotechnics.

Liverpool fans were even pictured waving flares from the roof of a police van, though with no apparent aggravation.

Liverpool City Council had provided police with mobile CCTV prior to the match.

Chief superintendent Dave Charnock had appealed for calm prior to the game.

“We are expecting a vibrant atmosphere at Tuesday’s match, but our intention is that at the end of the day we will be talking about the game and what happened on the pitch as opposed to off the pitch,” he said

“Our policing style will be firm, fair and friendly, but we will take action where necessary, against those individuals who may seek to cause problems or misbehave and spoil the evening for the majority of supporters.

“We know that this will be a busy operation and we hope that fans attending the match will act as ambassadors for their clubs and enjoy what I am sure will be a good game.”

FROM belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/merseyside