A Liverpool supporter reportedly passed away in Italy on Monday night.
The Reds are set to face AC Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday and supporters have travelled in their thousands to the Italy for the clash.
However, tragedy has struck in Italy as one fan has passed away ahead of the match. According to Corriera della Sera, and other Italian news outlets, a 51-year-old male died on Monday night after being struck by a vehicle at 1am.
The supporter, who has remained unnamed, was hit whilst trying to cross the A4 motorway near the Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo after travelling over for the match.
The Irishman had landed at the Bergamo airport a matter of hours before the incident after flying in from Manchester. He was found with his passport in his pocket as well as a ticket for the match.
The male is said to have been crossing the road with another two supporters, a father and son, but they turned back and left the scene. It is unclear whether they were aware of the incident and could be questioned on failing to provide assistance if identified by Highway Patrol.
The reason for the male crossing the road is unclear at this stage, though the NH Hotel directly across the A4 has prompted speculation that he may have been planning to stay the night there before travelling to the San Siro.
Police are also investigating whether the supporter was in an ‘altered psychophysical state’ which may have influenced his decision to cross the busy road.
The heartbreaking news comes under 24 hours before Liverpool look to kick off their Champions League campaign in style under Arne Slot. The Reds have faced AC Milan on five occasions in the history of the competition, most famously when they came from behind to beat the Italian outfit on penalties in the final of the competition in Istanbul 2005.
Liverpool will be keen to bounce back to winning ways against the European giants following their defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest over the weekend. A goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi ensured that Arne Slot tasted defeat for the first time as Reds boss despite creating several clear-cut opportunities.
