Liverpool fans ‘attacked by hooligans’ ahead of Champions League final

Liverpool’s players have safely arrived in Kiev ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final – but some of their fans have not been as lucky, according to reports.

A group of Liverpool supporters having dinner in the Ukrainian capital on Thursday night are reported to have been attacked by masked hooligans.

The supporters, who were eating near the Olympic Stadium, are said to have had to hide inside the restaurant, with some suffering cuts and other injuries.

Reds supporters have travelled to Ukraine for the Champions League final against Real Madrid

Most supporters look to have arrive safely, with many seen at the fan zone in the city centre

The attack will raise fears of further trouble and violence ahead of Saturday’s game, with even more Liverpool fans expected to arrive. 

This has soured Liverpool’s preparations for the final, after they arrived in Kiev as they reach the finishing stretch of their preparations for the biggest game of their season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side looked in high spirits as they touched down in the Ukrainian capital and were greeted by supporters outside the team hotel in the city centre earlier on Thursday. The Reds take on Real Madrid on Saturday night as they bid for a sixth European Cup. 

Liverpool’s players were earlier greeted as they arrived at their team hotel in Kiev 

Roberto Firmino looked in good spirits as he made his way off the team bus in Ukraine

Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff make their way off the plane after landing in Kiev

The players had earlier driven themselves to Melwood for a training session, after which they left their cars and boarded a coach to John Lennon Airport.

Midfielder Emre Can has been included in the club’s 24-man squad for this weekend’s big game.

It could be the last time the Germany international, who has regained full fitness having been sidelined with a back injury since late March, features for Liverpool as his contract expires next month and he has so far turned down all offers of an extension.  Youngsters Curtis Jones, Nat Phillips and Rafael Camacho are also included in the party. 

They will hold an hour-long open training session at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on Friday evening after Klopp and two players have given pre-match press conference.

The Liverpool manager was handed traditional Ukrainian gifts upon his arrival on Thursday

Star man Mo Salah also posed for pictures on the runway at Mizhnarodnyy Aeroport

Captain Jordan Henderson disembarks the plane after flying out from Liverpool John Lennon