Champions League: Liverpool to meet with officials over Rome security fears

Liverpool have requested an "extraordinary meeting" amid security fears over the Champions League semi-final second leg in Rome on Wednesday.

The Reds beat Roma 5-2 in Tuesday's first leg at Anfield, but Liverpool fan Sean Cox is in a critical condition after being injured by Italian fans.

The club have sold the 5,000 tickets they were allocated at Stadio Olimpico.

But police have warned Liverpool fans without a ticket for the match not to travel to the Italian capital.

It is believed the Premier League club have been left frustrated by the process of getting basic and essential information about arrangements for the game on 2 May.

Liverpool's issue is with the Italian authorities rather than Uefa or Roma, who have been working with the Merseyside club.

Reds officials are willing to supply additional funding in order to ensure there is a secure shuttle service for supporters to and from the ground for the 19:45 BST kick-off.

They want clarity on what time supporters can arrive at the ground, ticket and baggage procedures and access out of the stadium after the game.

Liverpool also want to know which areas should be avoided by their fans and what routes to the stadium are the safest if they are unable to use the shuttle.

Liverpool will meet with "major stakeholders who share responsibility for the wellbeing of supporters" on Friday in Rome, including officials from Roma, Uefa and the Italian police and security services.

"Liverpool Football Club is continuing to do everything in its power to provide supporters travelling to Rome next week with the most comprehensive safety and security advice," Liverpool said in a statement.

"Liverpool have sought clarity on a number of issues surrounding the matchday operation since the draw was made and is hoping this extraordinary meeting will provide the necessary reassurances and essential information.

"This, if provided, will allow the club to fully inform supporters of the measures that will be in place."

Merseyside Police is also working with Italian police and will have officers at the game.

Chief superintendent Dave Charnock added: "While we understand and appreciate that many Liverpool fans will want to travel to Rome, I would encourage fans who do not have tickets to not travel."

Roma instructed Liverpool to print the name of each supporter attending on their official ticket.

It means fans will be rejected entry to the 72,698-capacity stadium if details on their ticket and passport do not match.

"Fans who are travelling with tickets are encouraged to monitor official fan advice on the club's official website and social media feeds for information to assist their visit," added Charnock.

"And as ever, given the vigilance of police and security around the stadium, we would encourage fans to arrive in plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere."

Two Italian men have been charged over the violence before the match on Tuesday.