Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 6y

'Roma fans are not violent' - director Monchi urges supporters to behave

Roma's sporting director Monchi has urged the Serie A club's true fans to prove that they are not violent as the Eternal City prepares for Wednesday night's Champions League semifinal second leg with Liverpool.

The first leg on Merseyside was overshadowed by attacks by Italians purporting to be fans of Roma, which left Liverpool supporter Sean Cox in an induced coma.

There are fears of reprisals on Wednesday night, but Monchi is hopeful Roma fans will show the world what they are all about.

"I would like to see Rome coloured in Giallorosso," Monchi told La Romanista. "Starting today, all Roma fans should show their colours on their balconies and make the world realise that Rome supports Roma.

"At this time, when people are talking about violence, let's make it clear that Roma fans are not violent. It's the time to be united."

Monchi added that what happened last week was a tragedy, and that he is "very Catholic and I am praying for him and his family."

"We are human beings and I hope he can return to support his team again," he continued. "Football and life are two different things."

The former Sevilla sporting director then turned his attention to Wednesday night's game and reminded Roma fans of its importance.

"We are facing a unique game," he said. "The history of this club says that only twice have we had this possibility: in 1984 and now. This is the moment to forget anything else and get behind the team.

"Every grandfather, grandchild, son, father, mother -- on Wednesday, everybody is playing. I was fortunate to win a lot with Sevilla, but I would never have dreamed of reaching a Champions League final.

"I said to my wife: I've dreamed many things and realised many of them, but the Champions League never crossed my mind. We all have to do what we have to do -- Alisson has to make the saves, [Edin] Dzeko score the goals, Daniele [De Rossi] play the passes and the others who are not playing need to show their support for the team.

"We need to be convinced we can do it, because that makes it easier to do."

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