UEFA give security pledge

Liverpool are supposed to play the second leg of their Champions League qualifier in Israel. However, the Reds don't want to have to travel to the war-torn country and are hoping UEFA will switch the game to a neutral country. UEFA have assured officials at the club that they won't put the Reds at risk.

"We've asked the Israel FA and relevant authorities to give us assurances concerning safety," said UEFA official Rob Faulkner.

"We all see the news and have serious concerns - and the situation is changing daily.

"But this is the right way to do it and we're asking the right people. We'll be in discussions with both clubs but the key is the safety of players, fans and officials - and we wouldn't go ahead if we didn't have those assurances.

"We have played with problems and conflict there before and also played games away from Israel. That is Plan B - a back-up plan."