Liverpool fans got on top of police fans before the Champions League game vs. Roma. Peter Byrne/PA Wire
One man was injured in a "serious assault" just outside of Anfield ahead of Liverpool's Champions League semifinal against Roma on Tuesday, police said.
A group of about 20 people -- alleged by multiple reports to be Roma supporters -- attacked with belts just before kickoff, with police treating one man for injuries.
"We are investigating a serious assault of a man outside the Albert pub on Walton Breck Rd at about 7.35 p.m.," Merseyside police said. "Officers are appealing to anyone with information, or mobile phone footage to contact our social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC."
Liverpool fans avoided a repeat of the violence against the opposition's bus that marked their previous Champions League home game, but there were still reports of scuffles between fans. One video showed police chasing off a group as a minor conflict emerged in the city centre.
After throwing objects to damage the Manchester City bus ahead of the quarterfinals, Liverpool fans again took to the streets ahead of the first leg of the semifinals against Roma.
The Italian side's bus was diverted away from where fans gathered on Anfield Road, but fans still gathered atop police vans and let off flares for their own team.
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