Wednesday 2 May 2018 09:15, UK
Police officers from Liverpool and Rome were locked in back-to-back meetings on Tuesday to ensure the safety of supporters ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg.
Chief Supt. Dave Charnock and his team have travelled to the Italian capital amid increased fears of trouble following an attack by Roma fans outside Anfield last week which left a Liverpool fan, Sean Cox, in a critical condition.
An extraordinary meeting took place in Rome last Friday involving representatives from Liverpool, Roma, UEFA, Italian police and Interior Ministry officials after the Premier League club had expressed deep reservations about the security operation in place.
Liverpool subsequently said the meeting was "positive and productive" and felt important progress had been made on key issues such as meeting points, shuttle buses and safe zones.
Some 5,000 Liverpool fans are expected to arrive in Rome over the next 24 hours and Italian authorities have urged them to "please respect Rome" by not hanging flags and banners from monuments or statues, especially given that today is a national holiday in Italy celebrating Workers Day.
There have been several incidents of English fans being attacked by AS Roma's notorious 'Ultras' with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all targeted in recent years.
Liverpool have issued advice to all fans travelling to Italy, specifically warning them to avoid walking to the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco admitted there are "rotten apples everywhere in all sets of fans" in his pre-match news conference on Tuesday, and insisted his thoughts and prayers go with the family of Sean Cox.
Two Italian men remain in custody in England after being charged and refused bail following the attack on Cox. Filippo Lombardi, 20, has been charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, while Daniele Sciusco, 29, is charged with violent disorder. Both will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on May 24.
