- Liverpool face Roma in their Champions League second leg on Wednesday night
- The first game was marred by pre-match violence that left a fan in hospital
- Fans were accused of using belts and buckles to attack Liverpool supporters
Liverpool are sending a delegation to Rome to get concrete security information ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg.
Their 5-2 victory against Roma on Tuesday night was marred by violent clashes prior to kick off after a group of fans of the Italian club attacked Reds supporters outside of the Albert pub.
Liverpool fan Sean Cox, 53, is in a critical condition and in an induced coma with a severe bleed on the brain following the assault.
Roma supporters attacked a Liverpool fan outside Anfield ahead of their clash on Tuesday
The away fans brandished belts during the unprovoked attack before Champions League tie
Liverpool supporter Sean Cox (right) is in a critical condition after being attacked on Tuesday
The unprecedented delegation from the club will meet with Roma, the Italian police and UEFA to get concrete information on security plans
Liverpool expect around 5,000 of their fans to travel to Rome ahead of next Wednesday’s match. They requested and will hold the meeting on Friday in the Italian capital.
In a statement, the Anfield club said: ‘Liverpool Football Club is continuing to do everything in its power to provide supporters travelling to Rome next week with the most comprehensive safety and security advice.
‘Liverpool have sought clarity on a number of issues surrounding the match-day operation since the draw was made and is hoping this extraordinary meeting will provide the necessary reassurances and essential information.’
One supporter was pictured carrying a hammer on his way to the attack at Anfield. There is no suggestion that this image is of either of the attackers of Mr Cox
Two Italian men were remanded in custody on Thursday after being charged in connection with the incident involving Mr Cox.
Filippo Lombardi, 20, was charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflict grievous bodily harm. Daniele Sciusco, 29, was also charged with violent disorder.
Prosecutor Angela Conlan said the two fans used their belts and buckles as weapons, while the group violence involved using chains from fans coats.
District Judge Jack McGarva also referred to alleged group violence. In court, he said: ‘These are allegations of organised and group violence with weapons where mass public disorder was likely to be provoked.’
A gang of around 35 to 40 Roma fans made their way to the ground via Venmore Street
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