Two Men Charged by Police Following Attack on Liverpool Fan Before Roma Tie

Merseyside police have charged two men following an alleged assault before Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with AS Roma at Anfield on Tuesday that left a man in a critical condition in hospital.

The constabulary issued a statement on its website on Thursday to confirm two Italian men had been charged, with 53-year-old Sean Cox in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre.

Filippo Lombardi, 20, and Daniele Sciusco, 29, were both charged with violent disorder, and the former was also charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The pair are set to appear at South Sefton Magistrates Court on Thursday and have been detained in custody since their arrest.

Football journalist Jonathan Northcroft shared a picture of the scene outside Anfield ahead of the tie, which Liverpool won 5-2:

Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain offered his thoughts to Cox and his family in a statement on Twitter, as did club captain Jordan Henderson:

In a statement on their official website, Roma moved to condemn "in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behaviour" of the travelling fans in question, "who brought shame on the club."

The Giallorossi added they are "cooperating with Liverpool Football Club, UEFA and the authorities" and that their "thoughts and prayers" are with Cox and his loved ones.