A man is fighting for his life after being attacked outside Anfield stadium.
The incident took place close to The Albert pub on Walton Breck Road before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final with AS Roma on Tuesday.
Police were called at around 7.35pm following reports that a 53-year-old man from Ireland had suffered a head injury in the assault.
Paramedics attended at the scene and the victim was taken to Walton Neurological Centre where his condition is described as critical.
Eyewitnesses claim that a group of around 20 Roma fans were seen advancing from Venmore Street armed with belts before the attack happened.
The group were chased down the street before the police arrived.
Liverpool responded to the incident, claiming it was ‘shocked and appalled’ by the behaviour of visiting supporters before the game between the sides.
“Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time,” read a club statement.
“We will be offering them our full support.
“The club has been liaising with the emergency services since the incident occurred and will continue to do so.”
Merseyside Police have confirmed that two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The pair were arrested inside the ground after officers carried out a number of proactive inquiries in a bid to identify those involved in the incident.
They have been taken to a police station where they will be questioned.
Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and have information which could help them with their inquiries to contact them immediately.
Detective Inspector Paul Speight, said: “The place where this incident occurred is right by the ground and was heaving with fans making their way to the game.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage of the incident to contact us urgently, as information they have could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police CC’.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.