Arrests made on suspicion of attempted murder prior to Liverpool match

Two men from Rome have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 53-year-old man was assaulted outside Anfield on Tuesday, Merseyside Police say.

The victim of the attack, who police believe was present to watch Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma, is said to be in critical condition with a head injury.

“Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground,” read a statement from detective inspector Paul Speight. “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.”

Clips on Twitter appear to show two groups of supporters fighting in the area around the stadium:

BBC Sport’s David Ornstein reported earlier Tuesday that a Liverpool fan had been “knocked to the floor”, and that one supporter had been carrying a hammer in his hand.

The Times’ Jonathan Northcroft also shared an image of a man being treated by paramedics:

Nine arrests were made in total, according to police, with offences including affray, Section 47 assault, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a controlled drug, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly.