Coronavirus: Roma abandon Europa League trip to Sevilla after plane not authorised to land

The last 16 first-leg clash has now been postponed

Roma will not fly to Spain for their Europa League game (Getty)

Roma have been forced to abandon their Europa League fixture against Sevilla, because the Serie A side’s plane was not cleared to land in Spain.

The round-of-16 first leg was scheduled to take place on Thursday evening.

UEFA have now clarified that the match will be postponed, though no new date has yet been set.

In a press conference, Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui said he expected the game to go ahead – though with the club in lockdown, even his media briefing took place without journalists present, via a single camera feed.

UEFA’s Monday update on matches stated that Inter Milan would face Getafe behind closed doors, but the Spanish team have refused to travel. That game has now also been postponed, with no new date.

Valencia’s game against Atalanta took place on Tuesday behind closed doors, while the same is expected of Paris Saint-Germain against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

Supporters will, however, attend Liverpool’s second leg against Atletico Madrid on the same night in the Champions League.