DAILY STAR: ‘Legitimate targets’ Liverpool supporters at risk of attack from Nazi-loving Kiev thugs

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Hooligan expert Geoff Pearson, of Manchester University, said Liverpool supporters could also be targeted by thugs baying for more English blood. 

He added: “Football violence remains a problem in and around stadiums in the Ukraine, as it does in many former Soviet states. 

“English supporters travelling to kiev have previously been attacked, usually late at night before the match as they drink in bars.”

“English fans are still unfortunately seen as legitimate targets due to their past reputation, as we saw from the unprovoked violent attacks on England fans by Russian hooligans in Marseille.”

Dr Pearson said Spanish fans could also be targeted, but that fortunately thugs would mainly dish out the pain on local rivals.

The uni professor continued: “While English fans generally still have an unwarranted reputation of violence, fans of clubs from other countries have been the victim of unprovoked attacks.

“Previous experience in Europe suggests that major finals or tournaments not involving local teams are less likely to see these kind of attacks.”