Two Roma legends have apologised for making obscene gestures at Anfield.
Bruno Conti and Roberto Pruzzo were photographed giving a middle finger salute to the Liverpool crest before Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final.
The pair were part of the Serie A outfit’s team which lost the 1984 European Cup final against the Reds with Conti missing one of the decisive penalties.
But Roma’s current director of youth development has responded contritely to the backlash of the image posted on social media.
“A private moment was made public without being aware of it, turning it into an inappropriate gesture of which I feel the I need to apologise,” said Conti.
“I have been in the football world for a lifetime and in the last 25 years I have tried to convey my values to all the guys with whom I found myself working, starting from respect for my opponent.
“I’ve never offend any club, let alone a team as glorious as Liverpool.
“My respect for an opponent who over the years I have always faced with loyalty is out of the question.”
Pruzzo added: “If someone has been offended then we apologise.”