The Liverpool players, led by captain Jordan Henderson, are sourcing a St Peter's GAA Club jersey to hang in the Anfield dressing room as a gesture of solidarity with Sean Cox, who remains in a critical condition in hospital following an attack by Roma fans ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final. The story was first reported this morning by The Irish Sun.
Mr. Cox is deeply embedded in his local GAA club, having served as chairman from 2013 to 2015 and is listed as the club's assistant treasurer on the club's website.
The intention is that the jersey will hang among the spare Liverpool shirts in the dressing room ahead of Saturday's Premier League game with Stoke City. The gesture was organised by the Liverpool players and, as is the case with all maters relating to the players, was led by captain Jordan Henderson.
It is intended as a gesture of support and solidarity with Mr. Cox and his family, and to show that they are uppermost in the players' thoughts ahead of Saturday's game.
Jordan Henderson yesterday sent his best wishes to Mr. Cox, via a statement on his personal Instagram account.
The thoughts and prayers of all the players are with the Liverpool fan who is currently very poorly in hospital, after being badly hurt ahead of our game last night.
He came to watch a football match and support our team - the only result that matters to us now is that he recovers and can return home to be with his family and loved ones.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain did likewise, saying that his injury plight pales in comparison to that of Sean Cox and his family.
Absolutely devastated to have picked up this injury at such a crucial time in the season. Gutted I won’t be able to play any further part now in our Champions League run for Liverpool, and also the World Cup with England. But now it’s all about supporting the boys and getting behind them.
I know we have what it takes to do something special in this tournament. I’m going to give everything I have to make sure I’m back as quickly as possible. However, this all pales in comparison to how the family of the Liverpool fan badly hurt before last nights game must be feeling.
My thoughts are with him and his loved ones. Thank you for all your kind words, messages and support. I’ll see you soon. #YNWA
Both of these messages were drafted by the players themselves.
Elsewhere, a GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for Mr. Cox's medical bills and any costs incurred by his family staying on Merseyside. It has reached almost €32,000 at the time of writing, and you can donate here.
