Blues will face Klopp at Etihad

CITY will play Liverpool at the Etihad next Thursday after a meeting of Manchester city council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) approved the location.

The Premier League fixture was initially one of six listed as games that might be moved to neutral locations and while the other five had since been given approval to take place at their original venue, there was still uncertainty over the top-ofthe-table clash with fears fans from both sides may congregate outside of the stadium.

But the game will now take place at the Etihad after the SAG – including representatives from the council, GMP, fire and rescue service and supporters’ groups, said they had no objections.

Coun Luthfur Rahman, executive member for skills, culture and leisure for Manchester city council, said: “Following the most recent round of Premier League fixtures which have all taken place behind closed doors, the SAG has signalled it has no objections to the fixture taking place at the Etihad Stadium. As with all other Premier League matches this fixture will take place behind closed doors, with no fans present.”

On their website listing the match in their fixtures, City have written: “In the interests of safety for our supporters and our local community, we would like to remind you that the Etihad Stadium should not be visited under any circumstances. We hope that you enjoy the return of football watching safely from your own homes.”