Liverpool Launch Sevilla Fan Assault Investigation

More worrying than Liverpool’s collapse on the pitch against Sevilla in last night’s Champions League tie have been the stories emerging in its aftermath claiming heavy-handed tactics and even physical assaults of Liverpool fans by stewards and the Sevilla police.

As a result of that, the club announced today that they have opened an investigation into the situation, and UEFA have confirmed that they are aware of a number of claimed, troubling, incidents involving the police and stewards ahead of last night’s match.

"What is [most] concerning is reports of heavy-handed treatment of supporters, including physical assaults, with one committee member reporting she was punched as she was pushed out of the ground,” began a statement by Spirit of Shankly given to ESPN today.

"Similar experiences have been shared with us from other supporters, and we've asked people to come forward so we can raise this issue with the club. Clearly, what happened last night isn't acceptable and we will be asking both clubs and UEFA what they plan to do about it."

For their part, UEFA confirmed that they are aware that there were “issues at the away supporters' entrances” but had no further comment, and an investigation by the governing board is unlikely unless Liverpool come to them with evidence of wrongdoing.

“Following detailed and troubling accounts given by Liverpool supporters attending the match against Sevilla last night,” read Liverpool’s statement, “the club is seeking to establish the facts regarding their treatment at the hands of the host stewards and local police force.

“The safety and security of our supporters is our paramount concern and we intend to gather all the relevant information before responding further.”