ROME, Feb 13, 2007 (AFP) - Livorno have been forced to play Wednesday´s UEFA Cup tie against Spanish side Espanyol behind closed doors.

Security at the club´s Armando Picchi stadium is not yet in line with government regulations under new measures introduced last week to combat hooliganism.

Livorno had hoped to open their doors with a reduced capacity, but a government-backed security watchdog specializing in sports events has turned down their request.

Livorno coach Daniele Arrigoni said he felt for the club´s supporters.

"It´s an injustice for the fans," he said.

"It was supposed to be an historic occasion for this city and instead our fans cannot be part of it. It´s a defeat for football."

Under a government crackdown on football violence after the riot in Sicily earlier this month which claimed the life of a policeman, clubs whose grounds are deemed unsafe are being forced to play their matches without spectators.

Livorno need more turnstiles, a crowd-filtering area and a police watchtower.

Wednesday´s match is a round of 32, first leg tie.