Scotland's Euro qualifier against Georgia descended into farcical scenes as the visitors refused to restart the game after a 90-minute rain delay at Hampden Park.
Callum McGregor gave Scotland a sixth minute lead, smashing home from 14 yards before the match was halted after just eight minutes due to a waterlogged pitch.
Referee István Vad did four pitch inspections and as conditions eased, a 9.15pm restart was announced to the crowd, with Steve Clarke’s men warmed up and ready to go on the pitch.
But Willy Sangol’s Georgia side stayed in their dressing room and refused to restart at the designated time, claiming their goalmouth was still waterlogged and the ball was not bouncing properly.
There were animated scenes in the tunnel with Scott McTominay telling Georgia players it was more than playable, but the visitors insisting they were not ready to play.
After talks with UEFA officials and their association President, and another inspection by the ref, the Georgian’s conceded to a 9.35pm restart as the rain eased. They kept the hosts at bay as the first half was played out before Scott McTominay struck early on in the second.
The game kicked off in terrible conditions. Both sets of players splashed around with the ball not running properly, and lost possession due to the waterlogged grass.
The official deemed it safe to start but it was a bad call. Georgia boss Sagnol pleaded with referee Vad to stop the game even before Scotland scored.
The conditions added a random element, and made passing and any dribbling skill impossible. One powerful shot caught a puddle and stopped before the goal line.
There were no complaints from Clarke’s men who took the lead inside six minutes. John McGinn’s corner was cleared weakly, and held up inside the penalty area on the water.
Callum McGregor was lurking on the edge of the box and smashed the loose ball home.
Ground staff were dispatched to brush surface water off the pitch, with a initial pitch inspection failing before a second gave the green light for play to resume.
Pundit Ally McCoist said: “I can’t remember a downpour as bad as that just before a game. The guys are putting in a fair amount of effort to get a restart and not have water playing a part in it.”
During the delay the Scottish crowd sang along to “Why does it always rain on me…”
The pitch then failed an inspection at 8.15pm. There was another at 8.35pm, with players then ordered to warm up for a 9pm restart, before more rain came down. A 9.15pm restart came and went too, with Georgia camped in their dressing room.
Eventually Scotland were given a final crack at completing their fourth consecutive win - 90 minutes after their goal - and taking a huge step toward the finals.
The Georgians faced forfeiting the game and possible disqualification from the Euros if they refused to play by the refs orders.
UEFA rules state: "If an association refuses to play or is responsible for a match (including kicks from the penalty mark) not taking place or not being played in full, the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body declares the match forfeited by the association concerned. Moreover, if the circumstances of the case so justify, the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body may impose any further disciplinary measures deemed appropriate on the association concerned, including the disqualification from the competition.”
