Liverpool fans are concerned that may be targeted for violent reprisals from Juventus supporters when they travel to Turin for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Liverpool’s attempts at reconciliation fell on deaf ears among a minority of Juventus fans who blame their counterparts for their part in the death of 39 fans at Heysel in 1985 when the clubs met in the European Cup final.
“Talk of Juventus fans looking for revenge is unsettling,” Richie Pedder, chairman of the Liverpool Independent Supporters Association told The Times newspaper.
“I just hope that Liverpool fans aren’t allowed into the city centre on the day of the game and that they are taken in on buses in the evening.”
Liverpool fans have sold only two thirds of their 3,600 ticket allocation.
“Given the sensitivity surrounding the first leg and the return match we are doing all we can to ensure the safety of Liverpool fans travelling to Turin,” said Merseyside chief superintendent Dave Lewis.
Mattters could be complicated by the decision by some supporters to travel to Turin independently.
Uefa director of communications William Gaillard said: “We are always concerned about safety and security for any game, so we apply very strict rules in terms of ticketing and safety conditions in the stadium.
“Our security force is liaising with the local police force and the authorities to make sure that the game takes place without incident.”
