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Roma Pay £133K Toward Medical Treatment of Injured Liverpool Supporter Sean Cox
November 15, 2018
AS Roma have donated £133,000 (€150,000) toward the medical treatment of injured Liverpool fan Sean Cox.
Cox has been recovering since being attacked by supporters of the Serie A club ahead of the first leg of last season's UEFA Champions League semi-final in April.
Roma made the donation to Cox's family, per Danny Gallagher of Sky Sports. Roma President Jim Pallotta is personally paying part of the donation, the club confirmed: "Roma will donate €100,000 through its Roma Cares foundation, while Pallotta has decided to make a personal donation €50,000."
Pallotta expressed his regrets about the events:
AS Roma English @ASRomaENJim Pallotta: “What happened to Sean Cox should never happen to anyone attending a football match. Our thoughts today, as they have been from day one, are with Sean, Martina and their whole family. We all hope Sean makes as full a recovery as possible.” https://t.co/lh7tCvAGc4
Roma also confirmed officials from the club had flown to the Republic of Ireland to meet with the family of Cox. The Italian club has also pledged to maintain its assistance of the funding of treatment for Cox "over a multiyear period."
The Giallorossi's fans have also been asked to contribute. Meanwhile, players donned T-shirts bearing the words "Forza Sean" during training, per Gallagher.
Cox was assaulted on his way into Anfield and suffered serious injuries, including a bleed on the brain. The 53-year-old was left in a coma and was still struggling to speak six months later.
Filippo Lombardi, 21, stood trial after being accused of the attack, but he was found not guilty of grievous bodily harm after appearing in court in Preston back in October.
Seamus Coleman, who plays right-back for Liverpool's Merseyside rivals Everton, donated £4,300 to help with Cox's care earlier in November. Coleman hailed football for helping bring people together.
Roma's gesture underlines the unity Coleman spoke of. It's a positive way to respond to the trouble that marred the game in April, as well as the ongoing issues of violence in the game.