Lawyer: ‘Blame Liverpool police’

The lawyer representing two Roma ultras charged with attacking a Liverpool fan blames the local authorities for not heeding Italian warnings.

Today they were both remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on May 24 and denied bail.

Filippo Lombardi was charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflict grievous bodily harm, while Daniele Sciusco was charged with violent disorder.

The lawyer representing two Roma ultras charged with attacking a Liverpool fan blames the local authorities for not heeding Italian warnings.

Today they were both remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on May 24 and denied bail.

Filippo Lombardi was charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflict grievous bodily harm, while Daniele Sciusco was charged with violent disorder.

They were part of an attack on Liverpool fans outside the Albert pub 10 minutes before the Champions League semi-final kicked off at Anfield, leaving 53-year-old Irish supporter Sean Cox in an induce coma and in critical condition.

The pair were both known to authorities in Italy as members of the Fedayn ultras group and travelled to Liverpool separately from the rest of the fans, going via Manchester.

They were identified swiftly following the attack thanks to help from the Italian police who were collaborating with the local authorities.

“There was terrible policing of public order outside the stadium,” lawyer Lorenzo Contucci told AGI news agency.

“The competent authorities had been warned, but there was not a single policeman following these fans from the city centre to the stadium. They were happily allowed to do whatever they wanted.

“Seeing as the serious error was made by the local police, if Roma are to be punished, then I think UEFA also need to look at Liverpool for the senseless approach to public order.

“Within 28 days, the two fans will go to trial, but the accusation of attempted murder has been dropped. In case they are found guilty, their sentences will depend on whether the injuries sustained are considered voluntary or not.

“I spoke to the two lads and they both deny the charges. At the moment, one has been charged with violent disorder and the other with inflicting grievous bodily harm.”