Football fans unite in support of Sean Cox

AS Roma are donating £89,000 to Liverpool fan Sean Cox, who was attacked outside Anfield and suffered a horrifying brain injury prior to a Champions League tie between the two clubs in April.

The father of three was left fighting for his life, sustaining injuries that required him to be put into a medically induced coma. Although he has since been able to return to his native Ireland, Sean continues to receive treatment in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin.

A fundraising page was set up in aid of his rehabilitation which involves long-term intensive care and has since united football fans across the globe in support of Mr Cox.

The page has received donations from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who personally donated £4,400 towards the cause, Everton defender Seamus Coleman, Peter Moore, Michael Edwards, Christian Purslow and David Meyler.

AS Roma have since confirmed that officials were sent to visit Sean and his family, agreeing to work alongside them to cover care costs. His wife, Martina said he will likely require care for the rest of his life as he continues to battle the effects of an incident that occurred back in April. 

“Our life has been turned upside down by what has happened to Sean. There is no sign of Sean being able to return home anytime soon and even with extensive specialist rehabilitation efforts, which will take years, he will require care for the rest of his life.”

Speaking about the incident, Roma’s chairman Jim Pallotta said:

“What happened to Sean should never happen to anyone attending a football match. Our thoughts today, as they have been from day one, are with Sean, Martina and their whole family. We all hope Sean makes as full a recovery as possible.”

That is certainly the wider message from the footballing community, who continue to strive to raise support and funds for the family in aid of Sean’s continued recovery.