For the first time in 34 years, Roma are in the Champions League semi-finals.

The next obstacle in their fairytale run is Jurgen Klopp's scintillating Liverpool and former Giallorossi forward and newly crowned PFA Player of the Year Mohamed Salah.

But Roma's remarkable achievements have also evoked memories of their infamous 1984 European Cup campaign - the last time they reached the final four.

Roma overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit to thwart Scottish underdogs Dundee United en route to the title decider, which they lost in a penalty shoot-out on home soil to Liverpool at the Stadio Olimpico.

Their exploits in 1984, however, were soured by claims of attempts to bribe the referee - news that was brought to light again seven years ago.

Swept aside by United at Tannadice, Roma needed a handsome victory in the return leg to avoid a shock upset and it came thanks to Roberto Pruzzo's double and a 58th-minute penalty from Agostino Di Bartolomei that sealed the comeback and a 3-2 aggregate success.

There were suspicions about the result and they lingered until Riccardo Viola, the son of former Roma president Dino, alleged his father tried to pay French referee Michel Vautrot prior to the clash in the Italian capital.

"Spartaco Landini, the director of football at Genoa, came to see my father. He told him Vautrot was a friend of his and that we could get at him via another friend, but he would have to be given 100million lire [£50,000]," Riccardo told Mediaset Premium 10 years after his father's death.

"He said a dinner would be organised with the referee on the eve of the game and a signal to show the deal had been done would be demanded. During the dinner, a waiter went up to the referee, saying, 'Telephone call for Mr Vautrot.' That was the pre-arranged signal. Vautrot left the table and when he returned, said, 'My friend Paolo rang and he sends you his best wishes.' Then I got up, rang my father and told him, 'Message received.'

"All this was done because we had a difficult game against Dundee United. Going out of the competition would have had serious repercussions."

The allegations have left a sour taste in the mouths of those associated with Dundee United, especially then-manager Jim McLean.

"Roma were under pressure because the European Cup final was being played in their own Olympic Stadium but it is no excuse to stoop so low as to cheat their way there," McLean said.

"I'm glad the truth has come out and, now it has, I feel for my former players and Dundee United fans who were denied the greatest game the club would ever have played. A European Cup final would have been wonderful for everyone.

"I had angered the Italian press following the first leg when one of their reporters had asked if we were on drugs after our 2-0 win. I joked that if we were I hoped we were still on them for the next game," McLean, who endured a toxic atmosphere in Rome, added. "That translated in the Italian press that we were using drugs and only added to the hostility.

"Walter Smith and our reserve keeper, John Gardiner, took punches to the ribs and back as they protected me from Roma players and officials as I walked off the pitch at the end of the second leg.

"I was obsessed only with our performance, not looking for excuses, so never thought about blaming the referee. I pointed the finger at the players at the time but now I feel cheated although I'm pleased the truth is finally out there, even if it won't do anything for Dundee United in 2011.

"Any individual or club that stoops so low as to go in for this tactic deserves to be nowhere near the game. It's an utter disgrace because I've always tried to believe football is honest."

Fast forward to 2018 and a new-look Roma - buoyed by their shock comeback against Barcelona - stand on the cusp of something great, despite the departures of star quartet Salah, Leandro Paredes, Antonio Rudiger and Emerson Palmieri.

And while the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Edin Dzeko, Alisson, Kostas Manolas and Cengiz Under were not even born at the time of Roma's previous European Cup run, they have the opportunity to well and truly banish the murky memories of 1984.

 

Klopp urges Liverpool fans to behave against Roma

Juergen Klopp urged Liverpool fans to think about the club's global image when the Roma players arrive at Anfield for the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday.

Liverpool supporters pelted Manchester City's bus with cans, bottles and flares as it weaved along the narrow streets outside the stadium before the first leg in the quarterfinals.

Klopp said at the time he was "ashamed" and "embarrassed" by the behavior, and warned against a repeat of those ugly pre-match scenes when Roma arrives.

"This is such a fantastic football club, outstanding football family, known for fantastic atmospheres all over the world," Klopp said on Monday, "so we don't need to throw whatever at the bus. Please show the respect they deserve."

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool after the attack on City's team bus, charging the English club with acts of damage and crowd disturbances.

The case will not be heard by UEFA's disciplinary body until May 31 — after the Champions League final — meaning any sanctions would apply only next season. A second bout of violence could lead to stronger punishment and even see UEFA fast-track sanctions ahead of the second leg in Rome next week.

Liverpool released a statement later Tuesday, saying fans who ignited flares and other pyrotechnics faced arrest and prosecution and that crowd trouble could result in "ticket allocations being reduced at future games."

"I really think we can show how wonderful Liverpool people are and the city and the spirit of the club," Klopp said, "and we can show in the 20 minutes before the game and then the whole world knows it.

"I really think all the people who are with Liverpool FC deserve that we show this fact."

The intimidating atmosphere outside and inside Anfield seemed to affect City, which lost 3-0 in the first leg.

"They created the most special atmosphere in world football," Klopp said. "I don't know if it can be better than it was against Man City, but let's try. If you cannot enjoy these moments, then there is something wrong with you."