Dramatic Pitch Suspension Delays Scotland vs Georgia Clash

Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia faced a brief interruption after only seven minutes of play. The match had to be temporarily suspended due to a waterlogged pitch caused by the heavy rainfall experienced in the hour leading up to kick-off. Steve Clarke's team had already taken a 1-0 lead with Callum McGregor's early goal, but Georgia raised concerns about the challenging conditions, particularly around the goal, which played a significant role in assisting McGregor's strike.

The ground staff had two chances to clear the rainwater from the Hampden surface when the referee halted the match and instructed both teams to leave the field. Although the surface did not meet the requirements during the initial inspection, it was deemed suitable after the second attempt.

Ten minutes after the players had warmed up on the pitch, they were unexpectedly ordered to return to the dressing rooms. However, the Scotland players returned to the field when the game was scheduled to recommence at 9.15pm, picking up from where it had been paused.

Then, in a strange turn of events, the players from Georgia initially refused to continue the game, which left the Scotland players bewildered on the field. Eventually, the visiting players emerged from the tunnel to resume the game at 9.35pm, one hour and 40 minutes after the game had originally started.

A soggy Scotland - in pictures!

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Heavy rainfall started at Hampden Park around half an hour before kick-off

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The match kicked off despite the poor conditions

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Callum McGregor's water-assisted goal gave Scotland the lead on five minutes

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Georgia players complained about the conditions

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Ground staff were given two 20 minute periods to clear water off the pitch before inspections

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Scotland fans sang along to "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?" from the stands

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Referee Istvan Vad held two inspections before putting the game on at 9.15pm