Philip Dooley, a 51-year-old Liverpool supporter, has died in Italy after being hit by a car as he attempted to cross a motorway.
Dooley is understood to have arrived at Orio al Serio airport on a Ryanair flight from Manchester late on Monday evening ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League match against AC Milan on Tuesday night.
Italian police are now investigating after Dooley was struck by an SUV whilst stood in the third lane of the A4 motorway, which runs alongside the airport, shortly before 1am in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Police believe Dooley, who was found with a ticket to the Liverpool game in his pocket, was attempting to cross the busy motorway in order to reach his hotel but was unaware of a nearby underpass.
Initial investigations show that Dooley had climbed over a two-metre high fence in order to get to the side of the motorway. A witness reported to traffic police that two other people had also approached the A4 but then decided not to cross.
A statement from Liverpool read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.
‘Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.
‘Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.
‘The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.
‘Rest in peace, Philip.’
Merseyside Police said in a statement: ‘We are aware of a fatal collision that occurred in the early hours of today (Tuesday 17 September) in Italy.
‘Philip Joseph Dooley, 51, from Liverpool, sadly died after he was struck on a road in Bergamo. Merseyside Police is assisting authorities in Italy and our officers have informed his next of kin in Merseyside.
‘Two men who witnessed the incident are also assisting the investigation being carried out by Italian police.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Champions League 24/25 intro music changed to version not heard in 18 years
MORE : Arne Slot names key Liverpool star who he wants to see score more goals
MORE : Real Madrid target Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City stars in stunning transfer swoop
