Two Celtic fans were stabbed last night in Rome on the eve of the match against Lazio.
According to mainstream media reports the attack took place in Flann O’Brien’s pub but on twitter a supporter supplied video evidence on an attack on the Baccanale bar.
Celtic’s Supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor was quickly on the scene as a number of news reporters tried to get to the bottom of the story.
Lazio (fans) have just attacked us. Luckily staff in the bar have been fuckin class. We are at the back of the bar minding our own business. Celtic fans please watch. @CelticFCSLO @PaulDykes @ACSOMPOD pic.twitter.com/OifFOywDwP
— KEVIN MCGUIRE (@kevmcguiremusic) November 6, 2019
Hi JP, ‘Baccanale’ bar. Such a normal bar, not even a Celtic hint about it. No singing, no colours. Took us a by complete surprise. Staff acryed so quickly and we are all ok ??
— KEVIN MCGUIRE (@kevmcguiremusic) November 6, 2019
These nutters did this to Spurs fans last time we played them over there too. Stay safe, and don’t let any c*nt try to claim you were “asking” for it, like they did with our lot.
— OC Spurs ?? (@OCSpurs1882) November 7, 2019
Hi Kev. Could you follow me to allow a DM? Regards.
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) November 7, 2019
Hi Kevin, could you follow back so I can DM you pls ?
— Natalie Higgins (@nataliesophia) November 6, 2019
Hi Kevin, I’m the social media manager at Euronews. I’m very sorry this happened, but am interested in hearing more. Please dm me.
— sono_victoria (@sono_victoria) November 7, 2019
Hi Kevin, hope everyone is OK after last night. I work on the Breakfast show at talkSPORT and we’d like to speak to you on the show if possible. Could we DM?
— GSK (@TheOnlyGSK) November 7, 2019
Thousands more Celtic supporters will be arriving in Rome today with the club given an allocation of 9,000 tickets for the Stadio Olympico.
Last night’s incidents are bound to increase tensions ahead of tonight’s match with a claims that an additional 1,000 police officers will be present across the city.
Celtic fans will be bussed in an out of the stadium from 2pm today but there are bound to be supporters making their own way to the Stadio Olympico that will be at risk.
Part of the stadium will be closed due to UEFA sanctions after racist actions at the recent match against Rennes but clubs can only be held responsible for incidents that happen inside the stadium.