Liverpool to play Maccabi Haifa at neutral venue

Reds officials had already voiced their concerns at a trip to the Middle East to face Maccabi Haifa due to the ongoing violence in both Israel and neighbouring Lebanon.

A statement from UEFA read: "UEFA has decided that, in light of the ongoing armed conflicts in and around Israel, no European competition matches can be staged in the country until further notice. UEFA had already decided last week to move the home first leg matches of the UEFA Cup second qualifying round involving Israeli teams to venues outside of Israel. UEFA has also informed the Israel Football Association and its clubs that they should be providing alternative venues within the territory of one of the UEFA member associations. The UEFA administration will continue to monitor the safety and security situation in Israel and further decisions will be made according to changes in this situation."