Two Italian men will appear in court on Thursday charged in connection with an incident which left a 53-year-old Liverpool fan in a critical condition.

Filippo Lombardi, 20, has been charged with violent disorder and wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, Merseyside Police have said.

Daniele Sciusco, 29, was also charged with violent disorder. The two men will appear at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

Liverpool supporter Sean Cox was attacked outside Anfield stadium prior to the Champions League semi-final match against Roma on Tuesday night. Police said he remains in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre.

The family of Mr Cox released a statement via Merseyside Police on Thursday which read: “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.”

In a separate incident, a 28-year-old Italian man was charged with throwing a coin onto the pitch during the match.

Edoardo Ranalli will appear at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, police said.