Manchester United's Europa League tie to be played behind closed doors

Manchester United's Europa League match at LASK on Thursday will be played behind closed doors.

Austrian health minister Rudolf Anschober said on Tuesday that all outdoor events with more than 500 people would be not be allowed until mid-April.

LASK later confirmed their match against United on Thursday would have to be played without supporters present following Austrian government advice.

United have also confirmed that they will refund any tickets bought by supporters.

A post on the club's official Twitter account read: "LASK has announced that the home game against @ManUtd scheduled for Thursday must take place without a spectator.

"The association will provide further information after publication of the relevant decree."

It is understood that UEFA has been in contact with both clubs as well as local and national authorities ahead of the last-16 first leg in Linz.

Gary Neville has said he does not support the playing of matches behind closed doors. Credit: PA

Former United player, Gary Neville, and joint-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford would rather the season be delayed than games played behind closed doors.

"I do NOT support matches played behind closed doors," the former England defender said on Twitter.

"If it's necessary to shut down stadiums the associations must find a way of delaying the season and playing the games when it is safe to do so to protect the revenues for clubs that require this income to survive."

Sports bodies met with government ministers on Monday at a meeting chaired by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to discuss contingency plans in relation to Covid-19.