Liverpool fans stabbed in Rome

ROME, Italy (CNN) -- Six Liverpool fans were stabbed near Rome's Olympic Stadium before their UEFA Cup clash, reports have said.

The injuries, which left one seriously hurt, were in addition to three earlier attacks on Thursday which left a 26-year-old, Gerard Collins in hospital needing surgery to slashes on his back and arm.

The stabbings were mainly to the fans' backsides, and happened before their team beat AS Roma 2-0, both goals scored by forward Michael Owen.

British Embassy officials in the Italian capital confirmed the total number of Britons with knife injuries was six.

The latest victims received slash wounds during an attack outside the stadium minutes before kick off.

It is understood a number of Norwegian and German nationals were also wounded but details of their injuries are not known.

A spokeswoman for the British Embassy in Rome said one man was seriously injured while the other two were expected to be released shortly from the city's San Giacomo Hospital.

"There are three British football fans who have been taken to hospital. We are aware of other injuries to non-Britons," she added.

"Consular staff are in the hospital now liaising with officials.

"One man is seriously injured but the injuries are not thought to be life threatening."

Collins' injuries are not life threatening but he is expected to remain in hospital for two days.

The two other fans suffered head injuries and were briefly treated in hospital.

About 4,000 Liverpool fans were estimated to have made the trip to the Italian capital for the fourth-round match at the Olympic Stadium.

It is the first time the two teams have met since a 1984 European Cup final, which Roma lost on penalties.

Last year two Leeds United supporters were stabbed to death in Istanbul before a UEFA Cup semi-final match against Turkish side Galatasaray.

English football fan stabbed in Milan
November 8, 2000

Liverpool Football Club
UEFA

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