UEFA ties go ahead despite bombing

Tonight's UEFA Cup clashes involving Spanish sides will go ahead as planned despite today's bomb attacks in Madrid which killed at least 170 people.

The Spanish teams - including Barcelona, who are in Glasgow for their last-16 first-leg tie against Celtic, and Real Mallorca, who are away to Newcastle - approached European football's governing body about calling off the ties.

However, UEFA have confirmed the matches will proceed as planned after talks with the Spanish football authorities.

A spokesman for Celtic said: "We have heard from Barcelona that the match will proceed as scheduled."

More than 170 people were killed when explosions rocked several railway stations during the morning rush hour in the Spanish capital.

But the Spanish government have requested that Barcelona should play the match as planned despite them wanting to postpone the fixture and return home.

A Barcelona spokesman said: "I think the game will be played as the Spanish government, through the Spanish Association, will request all teams to play the games as a way of not trying to give more importance to the situation."

Celtic are sympathetic to Barcelona's position and the events in Madrid but if the game goes ahead a minute's silence will be held beforehand.