Reds tie 'will be in Madrid'

LIVERPOOL'S controversial Champions League match could still be played in Madrid.

UEFA yesterday slapped a two-match stadium ban on opponents Atletico Madrid for their fans' racist chanting.

They insisted next Wednesday's tie should be take place at least 200 miles away from the Spanish capital.

That threw Liverpool fans' travel plans into chaos and Kop chief executive Rick Parry has hit out at the timing of the ruling.

But Atletico plan to appeal to the punishment and president Enrique Cerezo is confident of overturning the verdict.

Cerezo said: "The Atleti-Liverpool game will be played at the Vicente Calderon.

"We will appeal. I have faith that UEFA will do the right thing.

Atletico's arch-rivals Real Madrid have thrown their support behind their neighbours.

Real president Ramon Calderon said: "It seems unfair to me.

"The police did not report to Atletico Madrid.

"Those that caused the problems were the Marseille fans."

Minister for sport Gerry Sutcliffe wants UEFA to use the Atletico fine to help Liverpool fans re-arrange their travel plans when a venue is finally decided.

He said: "It is great to see UEFA taking a tough stance on racism, as this is the only way we are going to kick it out of the game.

"But moving the match at this late stage will play havoc with Liverpool fans' travel plans and leave them out of pocket.

"I would like to see UEFA use the fine to help Liverpool supporters get to the match."