Crvena Zvezda vs Liverpool live stream, TV channel, kick off time, Group C table, team news
The Reds will be without Xherdan Shaqiri, who has been left out to avoid tensions with the home crowd in Serbia
The Reds will be without Xherdan Shaqiri, who has been left out to avoid tensions with the home crowd in Serbia
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.
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."
The match gets underway at 5.55pm.
And it will be played at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade.
The match is live on BT Sport 3 tonight.