Pictured: Liverpool fan who died in Milan after he was hit by car ‘while crossing a motorway at 1am’ – as clubs pay tribute with flowers laid on his seat at Champions League match

The Liverpool fan who died in Italy after travelling to watch his club in the Champions League against AC Milan has been pictured.

Philip Joseph Dooley, 51, from Liverpool, died after he was hit by a car while crossing a motorway in Bergamo at 1am on Tuesday, Merseyside Police said.

The lifelong Liverpool supporter had travelled to Italy for the club’s return to the Champions League on Tuesday night, which they won 3-1.

In tribute, representatives from Liverpool and AC Milan laid a bouquet on the seat he had been due to take at the San Siro. 

A Liverpool spokesman said: ‘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.’

Tributes have been posted online for lifelong fan Dooley, who died crossing a motorway

Representatives from Liverpool and AC Milan laid a bouquet of flowers on his San Siro seat

The flowers in tribute to the 51-year-old lifelong fan overlooked the pitch as Liverpool won 3-1

Dooley was killed after trying to cross the A4 motorway in Milan to get to his hotel, reportedly with his match ticket and passport in his pocket

‘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.’

On X, a friend who posted the photo of Philip wrote: ‘Top man and a massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.’ 

‘Hard to imagine the game without him. Always a smile and a laugh and pure craic,’ another wrote. ‘A great character, good mate and he will be hugely missed… thoughts with his family and friends,’ they wrote separately. 

Others sent in their condolences, with one writing: ‘All Reds support Phil, his family and yourself Graham. No football fan should go to a game and never get to go home. You’ll never walk alone.’

Another said: ‘So very sad. Much love to his family and friends. YNWA Philip.’

The tragedy occurred less than 24 hours before Liverpool’s first match of the Champions League against AC Milan at the San Siro.

Reports in Italy claimed he had a ticket for the game in his pocket along with his passport at the time of death.

Dooley attempted to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel. He reportedly made it across three lanes before he was hit by a car. 

Pictured: The flowers which club representatives laid out for Philip, described as a ‘top man’

Liverpool got back to winning ways via goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai

Christian Pulisic had given AC Milan the lead but the Reds mounted a comeback

Police have also been investigating if the fan was ‘in an altered psychophysical state that may have influenced his actions’.

Liverpool came from behind on Tuesday night to beat Milan 3-1 thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai. 

Arne Slot’s side had got off to a nightmare start when old foe Christian Pulisic scored after three minutes, but the Reds were comfortable for most of the match as they got back to winning ways after a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday. 

It was the fifth Champions League meeting between Liverpool and Milan, with their most famous encounter being the 2005 final in Istanbul when Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to win on penalties.

The teams met in the Champions League final once again just two years later as Milan exacted revenge with a 2-1 victory.

Liverpool and Milan were also drawn in the same group during the 2021-22 Champions League, with the Reds winning both encounters.