Benitez: Venue switch unfair on fans

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Reds were due to face Atletico at their Vicente Calderon stadium next Wednesday, but the Spanish club have been ordered to play at least 300 kilometres away from the capital as a result of crowd trouble during the match with Marseille on October 1.

Benitez told the club's official website: "To change the venue of the game at such a late stage would cause massive problems to our fans, and that is not fair."

Atletico have until midday on Friday to appeal against their punishment, which also included a 150,000 euros fine after Marseille's players were racially abused during the Group D clash.

UEFA have expressed sympathy for the Liverpool supporters caught up in the turmoil, but communications director William Gaillard insisted there was "no alternative" to the stadium ban.

Benitez added: "We know about the loyalty of our fans and we know about the incredible lengths they go to to support us."

"They have an incredible passion for the club, which means they follow us all over Europe at great expense to themselves, and we always appreciate that.

"That is why we are so worried by this ruling. We can understand why UEFA feel they have to act - but in this case maybe this time it has come too late."

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, meanwhile, has spoken of his disappointment after hearing his much-anticipated return to play a match at Atletico Madrid may be scuppered.

"After so much time waiting, it is the worst and most unexpected news that I could have heard. I'm eager to go back. I don't know if it is definitive; I hope that a solution can be found."