FREDDY SHEPHERD last night congratulated UEFA on their decision to allow Newcastle and Middlesbrough to play in Athens on the same night later this month.

The Newcastle chairman was locked in discussions with European football's governing body and Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb following yesterday's UEFA Cup group stage draw in Switzerland.

The draw handed Newcastle an October 21 trip to Athens-based Panionios -the same day that Middlesbrough will travel to the Greek capital to face Aigaleo.

The draw raised fears of violence following trouble that marred Middlesbrough's first European trip to Banik Ostrava last week.

Middlesbrough fans clashed with rival supporters in the Czech Republic, while, on the same night, followers of Newcastle were also involved in a minor altercation with opposition fans in Israel's Ramat Gan Stadium.

Supporters will now be in Athens at the same time, with Arsenal fans also descending on the Greek capital to watch their side take on Panathinaikos the night before Boro and Newcastle play.

UEFA had considered switching one of the ties to a later date but, after the governing body ruled the schedule would not be changed, Shepherd dismissed any suggestion of trouble.

He said: "I think it's important to emphasise the excellent relationship Newcastle enjoy with Middlesbrough.

"We are looking forward to a party in Athens later this month.

"The two clubs have always got on well, on and off the pitch, and UEFA are right to have no qualms about staging both fixtures on the same night. I am sure the authorities can cope with 2,000 supporters from Newcastle and Middlesbrough."

Both sides are expected to receive 1,000 tickets for their games. Newcastle's match will be in Panionios' Nea Smyrni Stadium, and Middlesbrough's fixture has been switched to the ground of Athenian side Apollon.