Liverpool fans attacked by hooligans before Zenit St Petersburg loss?

A group of Liverpool supporters were reportedly attacked by a gang of hooligans ahead of yesterday's defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Russia.

Before the 2-0 defeat to the Reds in the first leg of the Europa League round-of-32 clash, the Merseyside club expressed concern over potential racist abuse.

While there were no reported incidents of racism during the match, it is understood that around 40 hooligans targeted a group of Reds supporters on Wednesday night armed with boxing gloves, according to St Petersburg's Peter TV.

The report claimed that the small group, which are thought to have consisted of seven supporters, were unhurt.