Merseyside Police hit back at the Union of Italian State Police’s claim the Champions League semi-final Liverpool-Roma was “haphazard” in terms of security.
Andrea Cecchini, representative of Italia Celere – the Union of Italian State Police – told Il Tempo newspaper that “public order collapsed, they lacked planning and the visiting supporters had to walk towards the stadium by themselves, unescorted, in the middle of Liverpool fans.
Merseyside Police hit back at the Union of Italian State Police’s claim the Champions League semi-final Liverpool-Roma was “haphazard” in terms of security.
Andrea Cecchini, representative of Italia Celere – the Union of Italian State Police – told Il Tempo newspaper that “public order collapsed, they lacked planning and the visiting supporters had to walk towards the stadium by themselves, unescorted, in the middle of Liverpool fans.
“The police weren’t there even an hour and a half before kick-off, there were not even barriers to separate the opposing groups of fans.”
Liverpool Echo spoke to Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock about the claims.
“As with any football match at this level a great deal of work between ourselves, the clubs, and other partner agencies goes into the planning to ensure that the event is adequately staffed and people are able to attend the match safely.
“I am happy that [the] home leg at Anfield had the sufficient number of resources. As well as a considerable number of our officers who were in and around the ground we were also supported by officers from Lancashire and Greater Manchester Police and other specialist departments including the dogs and mounted section. In addition we had support from our Italian police colleagues.
“A small number of arrests were made for a variety of offences but the vast majority of the 52,500 fans attending the game were well behaved both inside and outside the ground.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Liverpool Football Club stewards and the police officers who were out on the ground last night for their hard work and professionalism throughout the evening.”