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LIVERPOOL take on Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League this evening.

But they will be without Xherdan Shaqiri - he has been left out of the side to "avoid any distractions" that may be caused by his Albanian roots, says boss Jurgen Klopp.

 Granit Xhaka celebrated a Swiss goal against Serbia at the World Cup with an eagle gesture
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Granit Xhaka celebrated a Swiss goal against Serbia at the World Cup with an eagle gestureCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Shaqiri has Kosovan-Albanian heritage, as does Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Serbia doesn't recognise Kosovo as a recognised state after they were granted independence in 2008.

There has been a huge conflict between the nations as a result of the Kosovo War in the 1990s.

At the World Cup Shaqiri - who was booed in the reverse leg between the teams last week at Anfield - celebrated a goal with the Albanian Eagle gesture. The Albanian Eagle is a nationalist symbol representing the double-headed eagle on their flag.

He was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (£7,632) by Fifa for the celebration.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: "We are keen to be respectful and keen to avoid any distractions. So, for that reason, Shaq is not involved and he accepts and understands this."

When does Crvena Zvezda vs Liverpool kick-off?

The match gets underway at 5.55pm.

And it will be played at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade.

Where can I watch Crvena Zvezda vs Liverpool and can I live stream the game?

The match is live on BT Sport 3 tonight.

  • BT offers live streaming and TV catch-up service via the BT Sport app and the for subscribers.
  • BT Sport subscribers can get on board with a BT ID and an iOS, Android or Windows 10* device.
  • Alternatively, you can  keep up with all the action on the SunSport live BLOG.

Group C table

 

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What are the confirmed team?

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