A Liverpool fan is in hospital after being ‘ambushed’ by Italian hooligans.
Steven Allen collapsed at the Stadio San Paolo during half time of the Reds’ 2-0 defeat to Napoli on Tuesday night due to a significant blood loss from the attack.
Merseyside Police confirmed that two travelling supporters had been assaulted in a bar in the city at around 6pm local time, three hours before the game started.
Two men from the UK, aged 26 and 46, were treated at the scene for their injuries following the attack by a gang on scooters.
Liverpool CEO Peter Moore responded to concerns about Mr Allen’s welfare on social media and confirmed that he had visited in a local hospital.
“I’m at the hospital with Steven right now,” Moore tweeted.
“We will not leave him until we are comfortable that he’s fine, so can everyone stop worrying for now.
“Trying to get him seen by a doctor, but there’s a distinct lack of urgency here from the police and medical staff.”
He later added: “The hospital staff and the police have now helped Steven and been very cooperative.
“He’s been seen and will be monitored throughout the night. He asked me to thank everyone for their concern.”
Liverpool had issued warnings about supporter safety ahead of the trip to their opening Champions League group fixture of the season in Italy.
They included advising anyone travelling to the game to stay in their hotel to eat and drink while not wearing any club colours or travelling to the stadium alone.