Jordan Henderson pays tribute to Irish fan in critical condition after Anfield attack

"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.