ROME (AP) - The Latest on the Champions League match between Roma and Liverpool (all times local):
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11:45 p.m.
Liverpool players have paid tribute to the Reds fan who was seriously injured in clashes ahead of the first leg of the Champions League seminal against Roma.
After advancing to the final despite losing the second leg 4-2 in Rome, the team lined up in front of the section with Liverpool fans and held up a banner with the text “Sean Cox you’ll never walk alone.”
Security was high before and after the match amid worries of more violence.
The English fans remained in the stadium an hour after the final whistle, waiting for buses that would take them directly from the stadium to downtown Rome or to the airport.
Liverpool advanced 7-6 on aggregate after winning the first leg 5-2 at home.
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3:45 p.m.
Supporters of Liverpool and Roma have met at Rome’s City Hall to condemn violence and express solidarity with a Reds fan who was seriously injured in clashes when the teams played in England last week.
During the event, fans held up signs saying “Forza Sean” - “Go Sean” - referring to Liverpool supporter Sean Cox, who remains in a medically-induced coma.
“Football is important, we all love football. I think Rome and Liverpool share that as a passion but what happened last week is hugely over the line. That’s not about football,” said Gareth Roberts, editor of the Liverpool magazine The Anfield Wrap.
Shuttle buses will carry thousands of Liverpool fans from the city center to Stadio Olimpico. The club has strongly advised its supporters from walking to the stadium.
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3:20 p.m.
Rome authorities have sealed off some of the city’s most famous monuments to protect them from vandalism as thousands of Liverpool fans gather ahead of their club’s Champions League match against Roma.
Protective barriers were put up around the Trevi Fountain as well as the Fountain of the Barcaccia in front of the Spanish Steps. The latter was damaged by Feyenoord fans ahead of a Europa League match three years ago.
Concerns of fan violence surround Wednesday’s match after two men from Rome were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an assault outside the stadium before the first leg.
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