Liverpool issue safety warning to their fans ahead of Roma match

Liverpool have warned their fans planning to travel to Rome on Wednesday to avoid certain places in the city ahead of the club's Champions League semi-final return leg with Roma.

The first leg at Anfield was marred by violence before the game when 53-year-old Meath man Sean Cox was attacked near the ground. Roma fans have an unflattering history of violence with opposing fans, particularly with those of English clubs, with Liverpool issuing safety guidelines to supporters ahead of the game. According to information provided by the Italian authorities as a result of ongoing collaboration with UEFA, AS Roma and Liverpool FC, supporters are advised to:

• Alight at Termini Station if arriving by train
• Use Piazza Campo De Fiori and Largo Corrado Ricci
• Respect monuments of national importance with a particular emphasis placed on not hanging banners and/or scarves on fountains and statues.
• Be aware that drinking alcohol on the streets will be prohibited.
• Avoid areas in the north of the city, particularly those in the vicinity of Ponte Milvio Bridge, on match day.
• Use the shuttle bus service from Piazzale delle Canestre, Villa Borghese to Stadio Olimpico. Buses will run from 3pm and there will be a return service to Villa Borghese post match.
• Arrive at the stadium as early as possible with entrance procedures and ticket checks expected to be long and arduous. Entrance gates are expected to open at 5pm.
• Be aware that should the name on a supporter’s ticket not match the name on their personal ID, admission will be refused.
• Be aware that there will be a hold back after the game which is expected to be longer than supporters are ordinarily used to.
• Use the shuttle bus service to depart the stadium unless on organised day trips which will provide their own transportation. Under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk.

The Chief of Police in Rome also issued a warning to supporters which said that  Liverpool supporters are invited to socialize in bar and restaurant placed in Piazza Campo dè Fiori and Largo Corrado Ricci (near Colosseum). On the occasion of this fixture, a public transport service for the British supporters to reach easily and safely the Olympic Stadium will be provided. The police also prohibited: 1)The sale of bottled beverages to take away or beverages in glass containers with the exception of staple foods that come exclusively in glass containers. 2)The carrying on public streets of bottles and glass containers with the exception of staple foods that come exclusively in glass containers. 3)The consumption, on public streets, of any kind of alcoholic and distilled beverages (hard liquors or spirits )in any kind of containers. The police also said that parading to the stadium is strictly prohibited and that transgressors will be subjected to police measures.