Irishman Sean Cox, 53, was attacked near the Albert pub just before the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night – with two men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The family of the popular Irishman, who lives in Dunboyne, Co Meath, have now travelled to be by the dad's side.
Sean, who is heavily involved with the local Gaelic Athletic Association club, remains in a critical condition at the Walton Neurological Centre.
Well-wishes and prayers have since been shared from Sean's community with Fianna Fail councillor Damien O'Reilly saying the 53-year-old is the "cornerstone of the community".
He told the Irish Mirror: "Everyone in the area is shocked by the news. We are thinking of him and his family at this tough time.
"We are all praying for a speedy recovery."
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson added his thoughts and prayers for the injured man, saying: "He came to watch a football match and support our team – the only result that matters to us now is that he recovers and can return home to be with his family and loved ones.
"You’ll Never Walk Alone".
It comes after trouble erupted an hour before kick-off last night as Roma fans, reportedly wielding hammers, batons and belts, attacked the home crowd.
Merseyside Police have arrested two men from Rome, aged 20 and 29, on suspicion of attempted murder.
Seven other men were also arrested on suspicion of an array of offences including affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock, said: "A 53-year-old man, believed to be a Liverpool fan, was assaulted near to the ground during what is believed to have been an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans.
"He is currently being treated for his injuries at Walton Neurological Centre, where his condition is described as critical.
"Two men, aged 25 and 26 years from Rome, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and have been taken to a police station where they will be interviewed by detectives.
He added: "Detectives are also investigating the use of flares outside Anfield stadium on Arkles Lane prior to the game.
"We will be reviewing CCTV footage, our own body worn camera footage and working with the club to identify those involved in any of these incidents so we can put them before the courts.
"And I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage, in relation to any of these incidents to contact us."
ARRESTS: Merseyside Police confirm nine men arrested after Champions League semi-final fixture
• A 20-year-old man from Rome was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 29-year-old man from Rome was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 38-year-old from Italy was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 28-year-old man from Italy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a seat and for throwing items inside Anfield and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 35-year-old man from Ealing was arrested on suspicion of Section 47 assault and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 28-year-old man from Italy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 35-year-old man from Thurrock was arrested for affray and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed
• A 40-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and issued with a fixed penalty notice
• A 42-year-old man from Stockbridge Village was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug (cocaine) and issued with a caution
A spokesman for UEFA said it was “deeply shocked by the vile attack that occurred ahead of Liverpool FC v AS Roma & our thoughts are with the victim and his family."
They added: "The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in football and we trust they will be dealt with utmost severity by the authorities.”
Footage emerged online showing home fans chasing a bunch of hooded Roma supporters down the street after the attack.
The attack comes after Liverpool fans climbed on top of police vans and lit flares ahead of tonight's European semi-final first leg.
Streets outside of Anfield were swarming with rowdy fans, excited for the game.
Liverpool released a statement saying they were "shocked and appalled" by the incident outside the stadium.
It read: "Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time. We will be offering them our full support.
"The club has been liaising with the emergency services since the incident occurred and will continue to do so.
"Liverpool FC directs supporters and those in attendance at the game to Merseyside Police’s appeal for information."
Northcroft tweeted: "The Roma group came out of Venmore St, and attack was sudden.
"Picked an older Liverpool fan and attacked him.
"A lot of police around but they were slow on the scene. Poor guy is still down. Horrible stuff."
Liverpool had issued a statement warning fans against using pyrotechnics, but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears.
Tonight's match saw a heavy security presence on Merseyside in reaction to the shocking scenes that preceded the Reds' quarter-final clash against Manchester City.
Liverpool fans threw bottles and other objects including flares at City's team bus, smashing the front window.
Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp urged fans before kick off: "This is an outstanding club known for its fantastic atmosphere.
"We don't need to throw things."
The German added: "In the stadium do it again and better.
"Outside the stadium, please show the respect we have to show.
"We can show how wonderful Liverpool people are and we can show it in 20 minutes before the game and then the whole world knows it."
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