Liverpool will play their October 22nd Uefa Champions League match at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon Stadium after all, following Uefa's decision to temporarily rescind the Spanish club's home game ban.
The ban had been enforced after crowd trouble and the tie had been set to go ahead at a neutral venue more than 200 miles from the Spanish capital, but and appeal by Atletico means the game will go ahead in Madrid.
Despite a neutral venue being advantageous to Liverpool's players, the club had voiced concerns at their fans having to change travel plans at great expense just weeks before the game.
"We're delighted at the decision because it means our fans can travel to the game as previously planned without additional expense or inconvenience," said Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry.
"Liverpool are grateful for the help the FA have provided and pleased Uefa have listened to and acted on the arguments we put forward this week."
Racist chanting aimed at Marseille players and an attack on the team bus coupled with clashes between French fans and police had led to the ban.
Liverpool will be without former Atletico striker Fernando Torres, who damaged a hamstring muscle playing for Spain, but will be boosted by the fact that opposing coach Javier Aguirre must watch from the stand for both home and away ties after racial accusation following the Marseille match.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
