British police said Thursday that
two AS Roma fans have been indicted over an attack that put a
53-year-old Liverpool supporter in a critical condition before
Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg in the English
city.
Filippo Lombardi, 20, has been charged with violent disorder
and wounding-inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Daniele Sciusco, 29 has been was charged with violent
disorder.
Both men are from Rome.
The trial will start May 24.
Sean Cox, an Irish national, is reportedly in a coma at the
Walton Neurological Centre and is said to have suffered severe
brain damage.
The two suspects were arrested after being identified by
Italian police.
Roma could face significant penalties from European soccer's
governing body UEFA, which described what happened as as a "vile
attack".
The Italian club condemned the violence.
"There is no place for this type of vile behavior in football
and the club is now cooperating with Liverpool Football Club,
UEFA and the authorities," Roma said.
"The club's thoughts and prayers are with the 53-year-old
Liverpool fan in hospital and his family at this time".
Liverpool won the Tuesday's match 5-2.
The attack has prompted fears there could be more violence at
next week's return leg in Rome.
UEFA officials will hold a summit with Liverpool, Roma and
police authorities in Rome Friday to plan security for the
return next Wednesday May 2, Liverpool said.
It said it needed to provide its fans with the most complete
information possible on security.
Some 5,000 Liverpool fans will come to Rome for the Champions
League semifinal second leg against Roma next Wednesday and
almost 1,000 of them will be ultras and therefore at risk of
committing violence, police sources said Thursday.
Police operations will aim to prevent reprisals after several
Liverpool fans were hurt after the first leg and one left in a
coma with serious brain injuries, police said.
More than 1,000 Italian police will be deployed around the
Olimpico, the sources said.
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