UEFA account deletes tone deaf tweet after backlash as Russia invade Ukraine

The UEFA Europa League account sent the message, ahead of the latest round of fixtures in the competition on Thursday evening.

It was posted along with a party emoji and, in the current geopolitical climate, was not the most sensible of decisions.

Russian forces unleashed an attack on Ukraine on the orders of Vladimir Putin in the early hours.

The country was soon under attack by cruise and ballistic missiles as some of Ukraine's major cities were targeted, including the capital Kyiv.

It is one of the darkest days in Europe in recent memory, with fears that it could spark the biggest war on the continent since 1945.

That's exactly why the message was so tone deaf and inadvisable.

A number of European sides are in action in the Europa League on Thursday, including Russian outfit Zenit St Petersburg, as well as Rangers facing Borussia Dortmund.

Contingency plans are also being drawn up by UEFA over where to host this season's Champions League final, according to reports.

The 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg had been awarded the chance to host Europe's showpiece event but events overnight look likely to force a change of venue.

Despite insisting earlier this week that their plans had not changed, UEFA said they are monitoring the situation and the Russian city could be stripped of hosting the final, which is scheduled to take place on May 28.

After changing the venue for the final for the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the coronavirus pandemic, European football's governing body could be forced into a further switch.

Wembley Stadium has been suggested as a alternative venue, but UEFA may wait until the latter stages of the competition to see which sides remain in the tournament.