Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez angry with Uefa over Atletico venue switch

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has blasted the late switch in venue for his side's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, claiming it is unfair on the club's fans.

UEFA have expressed sympathy for the Liverpool supporters caught up in the turmoil, but communications director William Gaillard yesterday insisted there was "no alternative" to the stadium ban.

Benitez, however, is adamant the ruling from European football's governing body has come too late.

"We know about the loyalty of our fans and we know about the incredible lengths they go to to support us," the Spaniard told Liverpool's website.

"They have an incredible passion for the club, which means they follow us all over Europe at great expense to themselves, and we always appreciate that.

"That is why we are so worried by this ruling. We can understand why UEFA feel they have to act - but in this case maybe this time it has come too late.

"To change the venue of the game at such a late stage would cause massive problems to our fans, and that is not fair."

Have your say on Uefa's decision over on the Premier League Fans blog .

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