Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has paid his respects to a 53-year-old Irish man who was attacked outside Anfield before Liverpool’s 5-2 win over Roma on Tuesday evening.
The man, thought to be a Liverpool supporter, was assaulted outside the stadium before the game kicked off on Tuesday evening. He has since been taken to Walton Neurological Centre for further treatment while two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, were arrested and taken to a local police station for questioning.
Henderson said that the thoughts and prayers of the Liverpool players were with the man and that they wish him a speedy recovery.
“The thoughts and prayers of all the players are with the Liverpool fan who is currently very poorly in hospital, after being badly hurt ahead of our game last night,” Henderson wrote on his Instagram account.
“He came to watch a football match and support our team – the only result that matters to us now is that he recovers and can return home to be with his family and loved ones.”
Liverpool FC also issued a statement saying:
“Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time. We will be offering them our full support.”
‘The vast majority of the 52,500 fans attending the game were well behaved and went to watch a good game of football,’ said Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock. ‘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.
‘During one incident a 53-year-old man, believed to be a Liverpool fan, was assaulted near to the ground during what is believed to have been an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans. He is currently being treated for his injuries at Walton Neurological Centre, where his condition is described as critical.’
A statement from Merseyside Police also explained that nine men aged between the ages of 20 and 43 were arrested for various offences ahead of the game, including possession of offensive weapons.
