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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid under investigation following coronavirus outbreak

Liverpool's Champions League match with Atletico Madrid is under investigation regarding its impact on the spread of coronavirus.

The last 16 clash took place on March 11 - the same day the World Health Organisation declared Covid-19 a global pandemic.

Spain is one of the globe's worst hit countries and as the European game took place schools in Madrid were closed and gatherings of over 1,000 people were banned.

Yet despite that 52,000 packed into Anfield - 3,000 of which were Atletico fans who had made the trip.

The decision has come in for huge criticism with Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, saying it was a "mistake" for fans to travel to Anfield.

(Getty Images)

And a spokesman for Liverpool City Council has now said: "Liverpool City Council, alongside partners at the University of Liverpool and John Moores University, have agreed to explore any impact of Covid-19 as a result of the Atletico Madrid match at Anfield on March 11.

"Liverpool City Council's public health team, alongside partners, is currently assessing the size and scope of the project."

Liverpool council's director of public health Matthew Ashton has claimed the match should never have occurred and may have been a reason behind the spread of the disease on Merseyside.

(Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Atletico went on to win 3-2, knocking out the Reds, and it remains one the last games to take place.

No Champions League or Premier League fixtures have been played since due to the global pandemic.

It has left the likes of UEFA and the various national associations with major decisions to make.

The UK is in a state of lockdown with the government suggesting prolonged social distancing measures which could lead to games behind closed doors.

There has been talk of a World Cup style Champions League tournament in order to ensure its conclusion.

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