LIVERPOOL’S Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid has been switched to a neutral venue more than 300km away from the Spanish capital – just eight days before the game is due to take place.

UEFA has ordered the Spanish club to play their next two European games away from their home ground – the Vincente Calderon Stadium – following crowd disorder there during their last Champions League game against Marseille.

Liverpool were informed of the development this morning and are awaiting further information from European football’s governing body.

Reds chiefs have been left stunned by the lateness of the decision, particularly as Liverpool have almost sold their full allocation of tickets for the eagerly awaited clash with Fernando Torres’s former club.

With thousands of Liverpool supporters set to make the trip to Madrid – most of whom will have arranged and paid for travel and accommodation by now – it remains to be seen if UEFA will compensate those who lose out financially.

Atletico are making an appeal against the decision but early indications are that the game is now likely to take place in Valencia.

Reds chief executive Rick Parry said: “This is a bit late in the day to say the least.

“It will be some exercise to sort the logistics for everyone who has bought tickets and flights.”

Liverpool were today contacting UEFA with the utmost urgency to ask them to take into account the needs of the Liverpool fans who will be the innocent victims of this decision if Atletico’s appeal is unsuccessful.