LIVERPOOL FC were forced to stay in Italy last night after their plane was grounded due to technical problems.

The Reds headed straight for Trieste Airport following their vital 1-0 victory over Udinese in the Europa League and were due to arrive at John Lennon Airport around 1am.

However, as the Monarch flight was taxiing ready for take-off the plane's captain announced that he would have to turn back due to a warning light.

Engineers then discovered that there was a problem with the left engine which they were unable to fix and passengers were informed they would have to remain in North Eastern Italy for a second night.

After around two hours on board the plane, Liverpool's players and staff disembarked and were taken by coach on the 30-mile trip back to the city of Udine.

The Reds are now waiting to discover when there will be an aircraft ready to take them home on Friday. It's a blow to boss Brendan Rodgers' preparations for Sunday's Premier League trip to West Ham.