AS Roma head coach, Eusebio Di Francesco says there are “rotten apples” within all football club fanbases and insists the Italian side are “united against all forms of violence”.
Liverpool held an extraordinary meeting with their Italian counterparts last Friday after Reds supporter Sean Cox was left in a critical condition after he was attacked by a group of Roma fans outside Anfield before last week’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
“I am afraid there are rotten apples everywhere in all sets of fans. Obviously someone who does not belong as a true fan did something very wrong and my thoughts and prayers go with the family (of Sean Cox),” Di Francesco said at the pre-match press conference.
“What I can assure you is that here in Rome the base of Roma fans are very passionate. Unfortunately hooligans are everywhere and you are familiar with that phenomenon.
“Unfortunately it is a massive issue that is detrimental to the whole football world so my appeal to fans is to come to the stadium and enjoy a festival of sport.”
“The vast, vast majority of Roma fans are true and well-meaning supporters. I hope it’s an enjoyable occasion on Wednesday.”