Liverpool have welcomed Uefa's decision to move next Wednesday's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid back to the Spanish side's Vicente Calderon stadium.
Earlier this week, Atletico were ordered by Uefa to play their next two matches in the competition at a neutral venue at least 300 kilometres away from the Spanish capital after crowd trouble against Marseille on October 1st. A further one-match ban was suspended.
The move was criticised by Liverpool as well as Atletico, with the Reds unhappy supporters' plans to travel to the match had been significantly disrupted by the switch of venue.
Atletico filed an appeal against the ban yesterday and Uefa responded by announcing the Liverpool match will be played in the Spanish capital — but stressed the punishment has been suspended, not overturned.
Uefa warned the game will come under close scrutiny and any incidents would be considered as part of the appeals process.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry immediately expressed his satisfaction Uefa had listened to the club's concerns.
Parry told the club's website, liverpoolfc.tv: "We're delighted at the decision because it means our fans can travel to the game as previously planned without additional expense or inconvenience.
"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."
Atletico responded by welcoming Uefa's decision and asking fans to respect their opponents next week.
In their statement, Uefa said the problems presented to Liverpool fans wanting to attend the game was a factor in the decision to allow the game to be played in Madrid.
Uefa were quick to stress the sanction has been suspended and not overturned,pending an Atletico appeal which will take place on October 31st.
The punishment was issued after monkey chants were aimed at Marseille players and the French side's bus was also attacked following the match at the Calderon.
There were also outbreaks of violence as police clashed with visiting supporters.
