A Roma fan who admitted attacking Liverpool supporters outside Anfield before their Champions League encounter last season has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Daniele Sciusco, 29, admitted violent disorder before the semi-final first leg between the two clubs on April 24.

Sciusco was not responsible for the attack which left Sean Cox with a serious head injury, but a judge at Preston Crown Court told him that "it did occur during violent disorder of which you were a part".

The court heard that Sciusco was among a group of Roma "ultras" who had flown from Italy for the match, with CCTV footage showing a group of around 25 individuals on Walton Breck Road, near the stadium.

"Your actions and the actions of the Italian group tarnished significantly what was intended to be a sporting and enjoyable occasion," Judge Mark Brown is quoted by BBC Sport as saying.

"You and others in the ultra group were armed with weapons such as belts and chains and you were threatening and were being abusive towards the Liverpool fans."

Filippo Lombardi, 21, denies violent disorder and wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Cox and is due to stand trial later this year.