Tragedy as football fan found with ticket in his pocket after being hit by car

A 'devoted father' and football fan was found with a match ticket in his pocket after being hit by a car in Italy. Philip Joseph Dooley had travelled to see his 'beloved' Liverpool FC play against AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday (September 17).

But in the early hours of that day, the 51-year-old was struck by a car in Bergamo, a city to the north-east of Milan. Merseyside Police confirmed that Philip, from Liverpool, died after being struck while crossing the road.

Tributes have poured in for Philip following the tragedy, the Liverpool Echo reports. Charlene Carvill, who is understood to be a family member, paid an emotional tribute to him after setting up a GoFundMe page.

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The page reads: "This Go fund me is to try to raise money for my fiancé, mother-in-law and brother-in-law to help raise enough money to get our 'Phil' home. Phillip passed away early hours on Tuesday morning 17th September after being hit by a car in Bergamo, Italy.

"Phillip travelled to Italy to see his beloved LFC take on Milan. Philip unfortunately did not make it to the match and was found with his ticket for his beloved team in his pocket along with his passport.

"He was a devoted father and a fantastic uncle to my boys. As a family we are devastated and nothing will replace Phil but if we could just raise enough money to help get him home for my mother-in-law then we would be forever grateful. Thank you for reading."

Dozens of tributes have also flooded in for Phillip, who was said to have always had a 'smiling face' and will be 'missed on the Kop'. One fan wrote on X: "Top man and a massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA."

Flowers were placed on Mr Dooley's seat in the San Siro stadium ahead of kick off on Tuesday. Liverpool Football Club also paid tribute on Tuesday, saying: "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." You can donate to the GoFundMe here.