Michel Platini has promised Liverpool that Uefa are keen to avoid forcing the club to play the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
The anniversary falls on April 15, which is one of the two dates set aside for the second legs of the quarter-finals, the other being the previous day.
Uefa president Platini has not guaranteed Liverpool will not be asked to play on April 15 but said European’s governing body would “do our utmost” to avoid the scenario.
Uefa yesterday issued a statement reacting to reports claiming they had rejected an appeal by Liverpool to avoid playing on the anniversary date.
Platini said: “We are aware of the huge significance of the April 15 date for Liverpool FC and their fans, and that is why we will do our utmost to make sure the club does not have to play on that day.
“I have been in regular correspondence with Liverpool FC for some time now and fully sympathise with the club’s feelings as to the importance of respecting the date of April 15 for those who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
“This being the 20th anniversary of that tragic disaster in 1989 makes it even more relevant and we will take this into account.”
The Champions League quarter-final draw takes place on Friday.
The anniversary falls on April 15, which is one of the two dates set aside for the second legs of the quarter-finals, the other being the previous day.
Uefa president Platini has not guaranteed Liverpool will not be asked to play on April 15 but said European’s governing body would “do our utmost” to avoid the scenario.
Uefa yesterday issued a statement reacting to reports claiming they had rejected an appeal by Liverpool to avoid playing on the anniversary date.
Platini said: “We are aware of the huge significance of the April 15 date for Liverpool FC and their fans, and that is why we will do our utmost to make sure the club does not have to play on that day.
“I have been in regular correspondence with Liverpool FC for some time now and fully sympathise with the club’s feelings as to the importance of respecting the date of April 15 for those who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
“This being the 20th anniversary of that tragic disaster in 1989 makes it even more relevant and we will take this into account.”
The Champions League quarter-final draw takes place on Friday.
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