SOCCER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:UEFA HAVE admitted Liverpool fans face major disruption next week after their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid was switched to a neutral venue.

Atletico have been fined €150,000 for racist abuse of Marseille players and handed a three-match stadium ban after crowd trouble and lack of organisation at the same match.

Liverpool have expressed strong concerns over the timing of the decision but Uefa defended the move saying there was "no alternative" and have pledged to minimise problems for the 3,000 fans who have already booked a trip.

The match cannot take place within 300 kilometres of Madrid under Uefa's ruling, but there are further problems in that Atletico are set to appeal against the punishment, and a final decision will not be known until the weekend.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club's home and away fixtures against Liverpool for insulting Marseille player Mathieu Valbuena.

Atletico were found guilty of a lack of organisation that led to a number of serious problems. Visiting fans were "victimised" by police, according to Uefa, and no police escort was provided for the team coach to and from the stadium - it was attacked by "ultras" from the Spanish club.

Furthermore, black journalists in the press area were racially insulted by Atletico fans and no provision was made for disabled supporters who had bought tickets. Monkey chants were then aimed at Marseille's black players, and Atletico coach Aguirre repeatedly swore at Valbuena.