UEFA has accepted Trafford Council’s request to move the St Patrick’s Day Europa League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool back from its scheduled 6 p.m. kick-off.
Last week’s round-of-16 draw threw up a mouthwatering clash between the bitter rivals — the first time they have faced each other in continental competition.
The first leg takes place at Anfield at 8:05 p.m. on March 10, but the return fixture, on March 17, was slated for an earlier start. It will now also kick off at 8:05 p.m.
The scheduled timing of the St Patrick’s Day fixture has led Trafford Council’s safety advisory board to contact UEFA with a request that it be put back.
A statement from Trafford Council said: “Following an approach from Manchester United, Trafford Council’s Safety Advisory Group have written to UEFA highlighting that it would not be safe to hold this fixture at 6 p.m. with spectators in the stadium.
“This is due to problems with the club being able to ensure that the required numbers of security, stewarding and medical staff would be available due to the proposed early kick-off time.
“The Safety Advisory Group and Manchester United have no concerns with the fixture being played at the alternative time of 8.05pm on the same date.”
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