Assaulted Liverpool fan fighting for his life

A liverpool fan was fighting for his life yesterday after suffering a serious head injury in a “vile” assault by AS Roma fans before the club’s UEFA Champions League semifinal, first-leg clash with the Italian club.

Sean Cox, 53, is being treated for his injuries at a neurological center, where his condition is described as critical, Merseyside Police said.

Two men — aged 25 and 26 — have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after attacking Cox, who had travelled from Ireland along with his brother for the match.

“We believe the victim was in Liverpool with his brother for the Liverpool v Roma semifinal and was assaulted during an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans near to the Albert pub at about 7:35pm,” said detective inspector Paul Speight.

“Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground.

“Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Walton neurological center, where he is being treated for a head injury. His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed.”

Liverpool, which won the match 5-2, said it was “shocked and appalled” by the incident. “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,” it added in a statement.

Serie A side Roma said there was no room in football for the “vile behavior.”

“AS Roma condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behavior of a small minority of traveling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma’s well-behaved supporters at Anfield after getting involved in clashes with Liverpool supporters before last night’s fixture,” the club said.

European football’s governing body UEFA said it was “deeply shocked by the vile attack”, adding it was waiting to receive full reports before deciding on potential disciplinary charges.

The alleged assailants were among a total of 9 men, aged between 20 and 43, who were arrested for various offenses before and after the match.