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Liverpool issue safety advice for fans attending Roma Champions League clash

during the UEFA Champions League group C match between AS Roma and Atletico Madrid at Stadio Olimpico on September 12, 2017 in Rome, Italy.
Image: Liverpool have issued guidance to try and ensure the safety of fans travelling to Roma

Liverpool have urged supporters to avoid areas in the north of Rome, particularly those around the Ponte Milvio Bridge, when they play Roma on Wednesday.

The club has issued the guidance, along with a list of other safety and security recommendations, for fans travelling to Italy for the Champions League semi-final second leg.

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Jurgen Klopp has pleaded for an end to violence at football and said the attack on a Liverpool fan should never have happened

It comes after violence outside Anfield ahead of last Tuesday's first leg left 53-year-old Liverpool fan Sean Cox in a critical condition in hospital, for which two Italian men have been charged.

Fearing the possibility of further trouble or attacks, Liverpool have published some advice "according to information provided by the Italian authorities as a result of ongoing collaboration with UEFA, AS Roma and Liverpool FC" for its travelling fans.

Stadio Olimpico
Image: Liverpool supporters have been warned not to walk to the Stadio Olimpico under any circumstances

It is advised that supporters arrive early because of expected long queues to check tickets, but they are asked not to walk to the stadium "under any circumstances".

The club has also called on supporters to respect national monuments by not hanging banners and scarves on them.

Fans have also been informed that drinking alcohol on the streets will be prohibited and have been told to expect to be held back in the stadium after the match for longer than usual.

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Roma fans ahead of a European tie at the Stadio Olimpico
Image: Roma supporters light flares during a European tie at the Stadio Olimpico

Further guidance for Liverpool supporters could be provided following the outcome of a pre-match planning, which takes place in Rome on Monday.

The advice has been issued after Liverpool called an extraordinary meeting in the Italian capital on Friday to discuss safety concerns for the 5000 Reds fans who have bought tickets for the match.

Roma have a disturbing history of targeted violence against English football supporters.

Michael Owen scored twice as Liverpool beat Roma 2-0 en route to winning the UEFA Cup in 2001
Image: Michael Owen scored twice as Liverpool beat Roma 2-0 en route to winning the UEFA Cup in 2001

At least half a dozen Liverpool fans were stabbed when the club played Roma in the UEFA Cup in February 2001.

Four Liverpool fans were stabbed when the two teams met again in Rome in the Champions League group stages the following season.

Three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed when the Teessiders travelled to Rome for a UEFA Cup tie in 2006, and five Manchester United fans were stabbed a year later when they played Roma in the Champions League.

A number of Manchester United fans were injured during clashes in the stadium and in the city when they played Roma in 2007
Image: A number of Manchester United fans were injured during clashes in the stadium and in the city when they played Roma in 2007

An Arsenal fan was stabbed in 2009 after a bus carrying Gunners fans to the Stadio Olimpico was ambushed.

And ahead of a Champions League group game earlier this season, Chelsea fans were attacked in an Irish pub by thugs wielding metal bars near Rome's iconic Coliseum.

Liverpool hold a 5-2 advantage ahead of the second leg.

Liverpool players Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino celebrate during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and A.S. Roma at Anfield on April 24, 2018
Image: Mohamed Salah appeared apologetic after scoring in front of travelling fans of his former side Roma at Anfield last week

Meanwhile, Liverpool's former Roma winger Mohamed Salah has said he is insulted over the representation of his image amid a dispute with the Egyptian Football Association of this summer's World Cup.

Salah tweeted in Arabic: "Sorry but this is a major insult... I was hoping the deal would be classier than this."

Ramy Abbas, Salah's agent, said he was waiting for a response from Egyptian officials.

He tweeted: "We have not even been contacted for a resolution! Nothing! Complete silence!"

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