UEFA has received Trafford Council’s request to move the St Patrick’s Day Europa League match between bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester United back from its original kick-off time.
The round-of-16 draw pitched the English clubs together for the first time in an European competition.
The first leg is due to take place at Anfield at 8:05 p.m. on March 10, but the return leg on March 17, was slated for an earlier 6:05pm kick off, but It will now also kick off at 8:05 p.m. same time as the first leg.
The 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.
