Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Will Lancaster

Scotland vs Georgia suspended as first pitch inspection FAILS due to waterlogged pitch

Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia has been interrupted after a storm above Hampden leading to kick-off made the turf unplayable - despite Callum McGregor's opener.

It became apparent just seconds into the game that it would be a tough ride, with most of Steve Clarke's players opting to kick the ball into the air in a battle of headers instead of playing the ball on the floor. A Ryan Porteous header back to Angus Gunn almost caught the goalie out as it got held up in the waterlogged state, and Aaron Hickey's jinking run saw him leave the ball behind as it felt like a ticking time bomb before the game would be called off.

Of course, the decision wasn't without controversy; McGregor scored from a knocked down corner which slipped off the gloves of Georgi Mamardashvili, to put Scotland into the lead. It appeared to go to VAR, but it turned into referee Istvan Vad having a debate with both captains to see whether the game should carry on - and despite the goal, Georgian players would rightly have been dismayed with the decision which should likely have been made 10 minutes earlier.

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou discovers Tottenham EPL fixture fate with Manchester United and Arsenal in first six

Puddles formed instantly, making a midfield battle especially tough to contend with for the likes of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Billy Gilmour.

Footage caught from the stands summed up the chaos in the middle of the pitch as a bamboozled Hampden Park crowd looked on.

UEFA confirmed the game had been suspended for the time being, despite the rainfall stopping - giving staff time to get the water off.

The pitch then failed an initial inspection, and whilst play was set to restart at 9pm, Georgia then refused to come out of the dressing room in an act of defiance

Football Scotland have suggested that one option is apparently to play at St Mirren's SMISA Stadium tomorrow - should Hampden be deemed unplayable.

READ NEXT:

- Ex-Rangers star Josh Windass names dream club and why play-off goal ranks higher than Celtic strike

- Ally McCoist names Rangers transfer that's pleased him and what Michael Beale needs next at Ibrox

- Rangers withdraw from Lowland League as Ibrox club explains reasons behind decision

- Rangers star Borna Barisic makes late cameo as Croatia secure Nations League Final spot in thriller

- Sam Lammers handed Rangers glowing reference as key traits and playing style outlined

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.