2 Men Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder Before Liverpool vs. Roma

After a 53-year-old man was seriously injured following an assault prior to the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and AS Roma, the Merseyside Police announced two men from Rome have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Liverpool released a statement on the club's official site:

"Liverpool Football Club is shocked and appalled after a Liverpool supporter was left in a critical condition having been attacked prior to the Champions League fixture against AS Roma. 

"Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time. We will be offering them our full support."

Roma also issued a statement in which the club condemned "in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behavior of a small minority of traveling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma's well-behaved supporters at Anfield after getting involved in clashes with Liverpool supporters before last night's fixture."

The injured man was taken to Walton Neurological Centre, and his condition is considered critical.

"We believe the victim was in Liverpool with his brother for the Liverpool v. Roma semi-final and was assaulted during an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans near to The Albert pub at about 7:35 p.m.," Detective Inspector Paul Speight said.

The victim was reportedly hit by a belt. The suspects are 25 and 26 years old.

Roma and Liverpool were playing at Anfield for the first of two legs of the Champions League semi-final Tuesday, with Liverpool earning a 5-2 win. The teams will finish the tie in Italy on May 2.