MANCHESTER UNITED’S UPCOMING Europa League second-leg clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford has been moved back to 8.05pm on Thursday 17 March.
The last-16 match was originally scheduled to kick off at 6pm but will now take place at a more conventional time for midweek games in England.
Trafford Council had appealed to Uefa to change the kick-off time due to the large crowds that are expected in Manchester during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations while worries over rush hour traffic compounded the issue.
Reports suggested the necessary safety personnel would not be available to cover the match at its original kick-off time, with a statement from Trafford Council reading:
“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 6pm with spectators in the stadium.”
The pair of matches will see United and Liverpool take each other on in European competition for the first time in their history as they look to book a place in next season’s Champions League by winning the tournament.
The first-leg, which takes place at Anfield, kicks-off at 8.05pm next Thursday, 10 March.
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I’d say a lot of people will be hard pushed to be able to see a TV screen come 8
That it will be too busy or people will be absolutely bladdered to notice…or both? ;)
Hopefully
I was planning on an out early, home early day. This is a bit of a spanner in the works. But I think I can make it work!
I was planning an out early home late day
Was thinking the same Andy….out for club final at 4pm…then soccer game….there will be many drunk Liverpool and Man Utd fans come 8pm…
I’d say by 1pm
I think a lot of people will be checking what the score was the next morning
Ey. Nothing like planning your holiday around a meeting between two crap English clubs
Pubs will get very messy.
Ah yes what wonderful way to celebrate the most Irish of days by doing the most Irish of things – passionately supporting English soccer teams.
While embarrassingly pissed, Sean. Don’t forget that.