The RTE soccer panel have paid their respects to 53-year-old Irish man Sean Cox who is currently in critical condition following an attack before the Liverpool and Roma match at Anfield on Tuesday.
Cox was taken to the Walton Neurological Centre for further treatment after the attack outside outside the Albert pub near the ground while two men from Rome, aged 25 and 26, were arrested and taken to a local police station for questioning.
RTE soccer host Darragh Maloney paid a personal tribute to Cox who he knew through his time as chairman of St. Peter’s GAA Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
“He was attacked by people who claim to support Roma but we did mention a repeated history of this tiny minority who claim to represent that club that have got in trouble,” said Maloney.
“As it happens I know Sean Cox, I’ve met him many times in his former role as chairman of Dunboyne GAA club. He’s a lovely man and as all of us have said we send him his best and his family tonight.”
RTE pundit Eamon Dunphy said that it was tragically ironic that Cox had been attacked but that Roma fans are known for their bad behaviour.
“Our thoughts are with the Cox family and we wish them well,” said Dunphy.
“It’s really I think a consequence of the attack on the Manchester City bus. When they played at Anfield a few weeks ago it was shocking scenes that were televised and went viral of Liverpool fans attacking the City bus.
“I think that may have planted the seed in the Roma fans, because it is Roma fans who are responsible for this, in their mind and they’re a bad lot. They have a bad minority that follow them.
“Roma are fans that are renowned for their bad behaviour, or known for their bad behaviour, not renowned.
“It may have planted a seed in their mind that there would have been a threat there. It attracts them – the idea of violence. Nine were arrested. Two have been charged, as I understand it, with attempted murder.
“Now we thought that soccer got rid of this and this instance last night reminded us of how tenuous that is. Ultimately, it’s not Liverpool Football Club’s responsibility, it’s a policing matter.
“It’s outside the stadium but it’s very’ very troubling indeed that it’s attached itself to Liverpool Football Club and don’t forget there’s a second leg next week in Rome where there’s a bad history of visiting fans; particularly visiting English fans being attacked.
“It’s deeply and tragically ironic that it’s an Irishman who is critically ill tonight.”
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