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Merseyside Police confirm no disturbances as Rome prepares for Liverpool second leg

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Sky Sports News reporter Geraint Hughes outlines the steps being taken by Italian police to ensure Liverpool fans will be kept safe while attending the Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma.

Merseyside Police has confirmed to Sky Sports News they have not received any reports of disturbances between Liverpool and Roma fans in the Italian capital.

With just a few hours until kick-off, Sky Sports News reporter Geraint Hughes said the atmosphere in the city was "pretty good humoured" and that police had not had any reports of trouble.

Chief Supt. Dave Charnock and his officers were continuing meetings with Italian counterparts in Rome on Wednesday to ensure fan safety, as Liverpool released fresh warnings to supporters heading to the Stadio Olimpico.

Amid concerns Reds fans will be targeted by Roma ultras, the club said "under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk" to the ground, nor back to the city centre at full-time.

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Roma prepare for their Champions League semi-final second-leg by wearing 'Forza Sean' t-shirts, as a mark of support to injured Liverpool fan Sean Cox

The club also said the post-match hold-back is likely to be "long", but Italian police have confirmed to Sky Sports News it is not their intention to keep them in the stadium until 1am, contrary to reports.

Supporters will he held back for "about one hour" to ensure their safe passage from the stadium, as Italian police want to make sure the vicinity around the stadium is clear and safe before letting them leave.

The Italian consulate were also unaware of any problems as of Wednesday morning, as Reds fans continued to arrive at the Leonardo da Vinci and Ciampino airports.

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Spirit of Shankly Chair Jay McKenna says Liverpool supporters should enjoy themselves at the Champions League semi final in Rome but also follow the security advice they receive

Some 5,000 Liverpool fans are expected in Rome and Italian authorities have urged them to "please respect" the city by not hanging flags and banners from monuments or statues, while Francesco Totti and Robbie Fowler also pleaded with fans from both sides to behave.

Merseyside Police officer Charnock said: "We want all fans who have travelled to Rome ahead of tonight's game to have a safe and enjoyable time. So far the atmosphere has been good humoured, with no reported trouble, and we want to see that continue.

"There will be LFC stewards at all the key sites and Merseyside Police officers will be easily identifiable as they will be wearing blue police bibs with a large police sign front and back."

The club raised serious concerns over the police security operation last week after Liverpool fan Sean Cox was left in a critical condition following an incident outside Anfield at the first leg, which led to two Italian men being charged and remanded in custody.

The Roma squad paid tribute to Cox on Tuesday with training tops branding the slogan 'Forza Sean' as they prepared for the game, in which they are 5-2 down from the first leg.

Thommo predicts
Thommo predicts

Find out what Thommo is tipping up at 28/1 in his Roma v Liverpool RequestABet here.

Thommo predicts
Thommo predicts

Find out what Thommo is tipping up at 28/1 in his Roma v Liverpool RequestABet here.

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