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Two Italians accused of shocking violence ahead of LFC’s match against Roma on Tuesday were remanded in custody today.

Filippo Lombardi, 20, and Daniele Sciusco, 29, both appeared at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, charged with violent disorder.

Lombardi was also charged with wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm on 53-year-old Sean Cox, an Irishman from County Meath who had travelled to Merseyside to watch the match which the Reds ended up winning 5-2.

He suffered serious head injuries and remains in a critical condition, the court heard.

The Italians, who both were wearing grey tracksuits, spoke via an interpreter to confirm their names, ages, and addresses.

They were asked if they wished to give an indication of plea, but both refused. Both men were refused bail.

Mr Cox remains in Walton Neurological Centre with his wife Martina at his bedside.

(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The Dunboyne man is in an induced coma until Monday when medics will attempt to bring him out of it.

He has suffered a severe bleed on brain and has undergone an operation.

Sporadic trouble broke out in the city centre before Tuesday’s game, as more than 50,000 fans descended on Anfield, including around 5,000 fans from Italy.

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Fighting erupted near The Albert pub, close to the ground, where Mr Cox was injured.

A friend of Mr Cox, Damien O’Reilly, a councillor in County Meath, described him as a role model and cornerstone of the community and heavily involved in local Gaelic football.

He said: “Everyone is just in shock and we are praying for a speedy recovery.”

Thomas Byrne, an Irish MP, said: “I sincerely hope and pray that Sean Cox, a most decent man of the Dunboyne community, makes a full recovery.”

Liverpool and Roma football clubs both condemned the violence and European governing body Uefa is awaiting further information before deciding its next step.

In a statement released by police this morning, his family said: “We want the world to know that Sean is the most amazing and wonderful husband, dad, friend, son, uncle, and brother, and he has brought us all nothing but joy.

“He is a truly decent man who adores Liverpool FC and just came over from his home in County Meath, Ireland, to watch his beloved team.

“We are completely devastated by what has happened to our lovely, caring Sean and all we want is for him to come home to his loving wife and three children.

“We hope Sean makes a full recovery from the injuries he sustained and that we will all be back together soon as a family in Ireland, spending precious time together.”