A video is doing the rounds appearing to show Liverpool fans ‘attacked with bottles and chairs’ prior the game at AC Milan.
The Reds took on the Rossoneri in their last remaining group stage fixture, and thousands were anticipating making the trip to the northern Italian city from Merseyside.
However before the match got started, a group of Liverpool fans told the Liverpool Echo they were ‘targeted’ by a large gang while they were out enjoying food and drink in the city.
Liverpool FC fans ‘attacked with bottles and chairs’ in Milan ahead of Champions League match pic.twitter.com/s0msFM2qoF
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) December 7, 2021
A clip has been shared onto social media which appears to show multiple fans running to get into a bar while glasses and bottles can be heard smashing.
The incident was captured along Ripa di Porta Ticinese, which is known to be a popular area of the Italian city alongside a canal, which is populated with bars and restaurants.
One Liverpool supporter told the Echo that he was given stitches in his head after being struck on the head during the incident.
He goes on to say that he had been drinking in what he describes as a ‘small pub’ before a group of 30 individuals, who were all dressed in black, came out of nowhere and caused chaos, throwing everything they could to hurt the opposition supporters, including bottles and chairs.
The fan explained: “Basically a firm of lads in all black turned up to a small pub we were at. Threw bottles and chairs at us.
“They were spitting at us and throwing stuff. A few of us stood up and […] I ended up in middle of the gang fighting.
“They were throwing bottles and chairs and flipping tables. A few of [our] fans tried to seek shelter in one of the bars.
“I was struck with an item, either a bat, bottle or chair, I’m not sure, and it split my head open.
“I managed to get inside the bar and the rats then got off. A girl called Jen held towels on my head.
“The ambulance staff urged me to go to the hospital were I’ve had to have stitches in my head.”
He also took to his personal Twitter account to write: “Reds, be careful over in Milan. I’m currently in the ozzy [hospital], 10 stitches and awaiting a scan. Is what it is.”
David Jones of Formby was at the scene of the incident and began filming the event unfolding.
The 31-year-old said that it was a gang of men who were throwing tables and chairs, telling the Echo: “Dotted groups of Liverpool fans were along the canal in the bars enjoying food and a beer. Few chants now and again but nothing rowdy at all.
“Local bar owners were coming out having a laugh with the Liverpool fans and then all of a sudden a group of about 20 or more lads walk in front of the canal by us target two bars close by attack one man who ended up having to go to hospital with head injuries.”
He added: “[They were] throwing bottles, chairs and tables into other bars targeting the fans and then after a few fans stood their ground the group ran off.”
Merseyside Police have made contact with the police force in Milan in relation to the reported incidents.
Liverpool had already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners, and AC Milan were hoping for the second qualification spot alongside Atletico Madrid and FC Porto.
However Jurgen Klopp’s side came away 2-1 winners, with the Serie A side finishing bottom and dumped out of Europe.
Mohamed Salah’s 20th goal of the season and Divock Origi’s winner seal perfect Champions League group stage for Liverpool – who become first English club to win all six group-stage matches.
Player ratings
AC Milan: Maignan (5), Kalulu (4), Romagnoli (5), Tomori (6), Hernandez (5), Tonali (4), Kessie (5), Messias (5), Diaz (4), Krunic (4), Ibrahimovic (4).
Subs: Bennacer (5), Florenzi (5), Saelemaekers (5), Bakayoko (n/a).
Liverpool: Alisson (7), N. Williams (6), Konate (6), Phillips (7), Tsimikas (6), Morton (7), Oxlade-Chamberlain (7), Minamino (6), Salah (8), Origi (7), Mane (6).
Subs: Keita (5), Gomez (5), Fabinho (n/a), Woltman (n/a), Bradley (n/a).
Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport: “Very proud, especially because of the sixth game to be honest. We needed fresh legs, we needed desire to play this game, which was really difficult in a hectic schedule we have. What the boys did tonight I couldn’t be prouder. It was an incredible game.
“The performance was absolutely outstanding, playing this game having 21 shots, so many situations where we played outstandingly well and defended with passion and good organisation. So many good things I saw tonight and I’m happy.”
Twitter users reacted with Liverpool fans ‘attacked with bottles and chairs’ prior the game at AC Milan…
@2pintWonder: That’s Italians for you! Will UEFA do anything…. of course not, they’ve been doing it for years & will continue too!! Hope you recover soon mate!
@DerektheKopRed: Nothings changed in Italy in 40 years. UEFA have never done anything to stop it. Should throw all Italian clubs out of Europe for a few years. Take care Reds in Milan.
@BjceeSa: Goes right back to the ‘60’s…. Not just against English fans either… Dutch, German etc. No doubt Leicester fans will suffer in Napoli on Thursday… 🤬… stay safe reds 🤞
@ToggerGuru: Naples is different level, just hope the Leicester fans are expecting it and are aware of their surroundings
@philiproose1: Look after yourself Lad, hearing it kicked off by the railway station as well but they were outnumbered & got a hiding
@unbearablekop: Horrible stuff mate, seems to happen every time out there. Take it easy!
@LFCVik2: stay safe lad
@LFCHistoryShow: Take care mate, not exaggerating when we say, its nearly always Italy it happens!
@joeharr65005465: I think the typical Italian response, as we saw in the last war, is, “run away lads they’re fighting back”, shithousery of the first order. I would just add I hate all forms of violence especially the mob mentality violence.
@willscfc1: Wonder why the Italians are like this? 🤔
@Insaniti_LFC: Bloody hell mate I hope your OK. All over a game of footy. I hope we smash them tonight
@jplfc2: Always the same in Italy! Had bad memories when we went to Roma.
@PeterAbbey050: Fucking hell, speedy recovery mate! Be careful out there lads an ladies typical Italian ultra shithouse behaviour that
@rik_curtis: Sorry to hear this mate, fucking terrible you go to an away match to have a few beers with your mates and watch a game of football, hopefully nothing too serious and your back having fun like your meant to be, stay safe and enjoy the match 🤞🤞👍 #upthereds
@Davecarmichael8: They’ve always been shithouses.
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