February 20 – UEFA have been forced to switch Dynamo Kiev’s Europa League first-leg last-32 tie with Spain’s Valencia tonight to neutral ground in Cyprus because of the violence and political unrest in Ukraine’s capital city that has tragically caused at least 26 deaths.
UEFA had been monitoring the situation for several weeks but in the end had no choice but to move the match, which will now take place at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, because of “security” concerns.
Valencia’s president, Amadeo Salvo, told reporters that “common sense” had prevailed. “It was very difficult to play in Kiev,” he said. “They guaranteed our security but the situation is very unpredictable and cannot be controlled and the best thing is to play at a neutral venue.”
UEFA said another Europa League tie between Tottenham Hotspur and Dnipro, also in Ukraine, is due to go ahead as the city of Dnipropetrovsk is nearly 300 miles away from Kiev.
But the English club advised travelling supporters, especially those going via Kiev, to be wary of getting caught up in demonstrations. “Travelling fans are advised to avoid gatherings and areas where demonstrations could occur such as public squares and administrative buildings during journeys to and from the stadium,” Spurs said on their website.
“Those fans that are travelling via Kiev should take extra care…avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings as even peaceful protests can be unpredictable.”
Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich has declared today a day of mourning after the worst violence in Ukraine since the former Soviet republic gained independence.
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