The UEFA Youth League game between Liverpool and Genk on Tuesday afternoon will now be played at the Academy in Kirkby with a 2pm GMT kick-off.

The tie had originally been scheduled to take place at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.

However, a visit from club staff highlighted concerns with the playing surface and, after a pitch inspection on Monday night, UEFA officials agreed a switch of venue is appropriate.

With regret, due to the late nature of the switch, it will be impossible to make arrangements for accommodating fans at the match in Kirkby. The game will therefore now be played ‘behind closed doors’.

Supporters who have already bought a ticket for the Totally Wicked Stadium are asked to seek a refund from the seller.

Liverpool FC would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans as a result of the switch.