Liverpool FC's Champions League tie may yet be played in Madrid

The punishment was handed out after trouble flared during the Champions League match between Atletico and Marseille at the Vicente Calderon on October 1.

The sanction was immediately condemned by Atletico, who have announced they plan to appeal.

Liverpool officials and manager Rafael Benitez also expressed concern their fans were facing a late change to their travel arrangements.

Reports in Spain last night, however, indicated Uefa have had a change of heart and will instead allow the match to be staged at the Calderon.

Atletico have received the full backing of the Spanish government.

Spain's Minister of Interior Affairs, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, said: "I will defend the actions of the Spanish police and we will hand all the necessary material that we have available to Atletico Madrid so that they can present an appeal against this unusual decision."

The robust defence by the Spanish government came after British sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe demanded Uefa use the £120,000 fine to help Liverpool fans whose travel plans have been thrown into chaos.

The FA have confirmed they were in round table talks with Uefa, Liverpool FC and the Foreign Office to resolve the issues.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo also reiterated his belief the game will be played at the club's own ground. "I urge the fans to be calm because the game will be played at the Vicente Calderon," Cerezo said.

"Any other decision would create a social, logistic and security problem.

"There is no other stadium available and we are convinced that this game will be played here because Atletico has done nothing wrong."

Atletico believe they can prove there was no racial abuse towards Marseille officials and players, and will present video footage of the game to Uefa as evidence.

"Atletico is a sensitive club against any type of discrimination," Cerezo continued.

"At no time has a UEFA delegate or a referee reflected in their statements racist attitudes (from Atletico fans).

"Some Marseille players said that in the opening 30 minutes of the game they heard racist insults but having viewed the video in those moments you cannot hear anything like that."

Cerezo also believes that Uefa have failed to look at all the evidence available and accused the footballing body of having "unfinished business" with Spanish authorities following clashes between police and foreign fans in previous seasons.

"Uefa's resolution is based on a report sent by the Marseille general director, who shows his opinion, that of the French press and the fans," he said.