Scotland fans hailed as heroes amidst Euro 2024 qualifier rain delay as UEFA faces stern criticism

Scotland manager Steve Clarke praised the Scotland supporters for their invaluable support during a uniquely challenging evening, as their Euro 2024 qualifier encountered a delay caused by a waterlogged pitch. Prior to kick-off, the heavy rainfall rendered the conditions at Hampden Park unsuitable for play, resulting in a 90-minute interruption shortly after the match had commenced. During this time, the ground staff diligently worked to eliminate the excess water from the pitch.

Clarke praised the dedication of the home fans for standing by the team throughout the unexpected delay and late-night match, as Scotland triumphed over Georgia with a 2-0 victory. Reflecting on the unique and surreal atmosphere, Clarke emphasized the significance of securing the three points, marking a successful start to the campaign.

"The players were magnificent. They stayed focused on the game, came out to warm up I don't know how many times.

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Scotland's game with Georgia was suspended after just seven minutes of action

The dedication of the crowd was remarkable. Throughout the warm-up sessions, they passionately sang and cheered, making it evident that their sole purpose was to wholeheartedly support the players.

Despite the potential for people to lose interest and disperse, the crowd stood steadfastly by the team, which we deeply value and are immensely grateful for.

Both teams' players were called off the field by the referee, allowing the ground staff two chances to remove the rainwater from the surface. The first inspection revealed that the Hampden surface was not suitable, but it passed the second inspection.

After a 10-minute warm-up on the pitch, both sets of players were unexpectedly instructed to return indoors. However, the Scotland players later returned, ready to continue the game from where it had paused at 9.15pm.

Georgia's players caused a peculiar spectacle when they initially declined to continue the game, leaving the Scotland players bewildered on the field. Eventually, the visiting players emerged from the tunnel to resume the match at 9.35pm, an hour and 40 minutes after its original start time.

When questioned about the incident, Clarke offered his interpretation, stating, "The Georgian players were observing the condition of the pitch at the beginning of the game and believed it remained unchanged."

However, despite the heavy rain that was pouring down again when both teams were in the tunnel before coming out, there were doubts that the pitch would improve. Nevertheless, to everyone's surprise, the pitch began to drain gradually. It is worth acknowledging the hard work of the volunteers who tirelessly swept the water off the pitch and made every effort to ensure that the game could proceed as planned.

"And when Georgia came out and had a look in the warm-up, they could see the pitch is fine. We got there in the end."

Georgia boss: We were treated like objects by UEFA

Georgia manager Willy Sagnol expressed his disappointment with UEFA's lack of consideration for his team by insisting they resume the game hastily. Sagnol questioned the delegate's approach, highlighting the challenging circumstances his players had endured. He emphasized the players' prolonged confinement, the absence of a substantial meal for several hours, and the disregard for their professionalism in such a demanding situation.

"We were being treated as mere objects," expressed Scotland's captain, (Andy) Robertson, while conversing in the corridor. He further added, "Perhaps it would have been better not to resume the match," highlighting the collective exhaustion and discomfort experienced by the players. The prolonged waiting period had taken its toll on everyone involved. The players felt disregarded, as if their voices were silenced, and were merely expected to comply with orders."

Robertson: Important for game to go ahead if pitch was playable

It was truly a collective effort from all involved to ensure the game took place. We are incredibly grateful to them, as without their contribution, the game would not have been possible.

We faced the challenge of Georgia opposing the game's continuation, but fortunately, the right decision prevailed. The playing field was deemed suitable for the match, and most importantly, we successfully secured three valuable points.

The support from the fans was incredible, with their cheers growing louder and louder as we warmed up. We are truly grateful for their immense enthusiasm. This victory marks an enormous beginning for us in this campaign.

Speaking from a Scotland perspective, even if the score had remained 0-0, we would have still been eager for the game to proceed. We had no desire to postpone it to another day, not even today [Wednesday]. Ensuring the game took place was crucial as long as the pitch was playable.

7.47pm: The match between Scotland and Georgia commences amidst torrential conditions, as water splashes with every movement from the players and the ball persistently becomes trapped.

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Heavy rainfall started at Hampden Park around 90 minutes before kick-off

7.53pm: Callum McGregor puts Scotland ahead after six minutes.

The referee, Istvan Vad, calls for a VAR check on the goal and consults with officials on the touchline. Following this, he addresses both captains, along with some players who are trying to intervene, regarding the playing conditions. Subsequently, at 7.57pm, the players and match officials retreat to the dressing rooms while the grounds staff, SFA staff, and ball boys and girls commence sweeping the pitch to remove surface water.

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The match began at 7.45pm as scheduled, despite the prevailing conditions.

At 8pm, UEFA announced a suspension of the game for 20 minutes to facilitate the removal of surface water. During this time, a pitch inspection would be conducted.

The referee and a match official conduct their initial inspection of the pitch at 8.15pm, while the staff is still clearing the surface.

During the first inspection, which takes place at 8.21pm, the pitch fails to meet the required standards. Another inspection is scheduled for 8.35pm. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that if the game cannot be played on Tuesday evening, it will be rescheduled for Wednesday at either Hampden Park or St Mirren, depending on the playability of Hampden Park.

8.33pm: A second pitch inspection takes place with the referee and another match official. Meanwhile, both teams, backroom staff, and association officials gather near the dugouts, anxiously awaiting a decision.

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Georgia's players initially failed to come back on but the restarted at 9.35pm

Both teams come out for their warm-up at 8.45pm, despite the rain starting to fall once more. The ball is moving smoothly across the pitch, with the goal areas still being the focus of attention.

8.59pm: The players had back down the tunnel - much to the bemusement of the Scotland fans and players.

9.02pm: The restart time is pushed back to 9.15pm.

The Scotland players step out of the tunnel, prepared to continue the game, but the Georgia players are nowhere to be seen. Viaplay Sports reveals that the Georgia team is unwilling to return and resume the match, while the Scotland players stay on the field, carrying on with their second warm-up.

9.19pm: The referee emerges again with the ball under his arm, and conducts another mini pitch inspection, to the continuing annoyance of the players and fans.

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Scott McTominay doubles Scotland's lead over Georgia at Hampden Park

9.25pm: The Georgia players are greeted with a chorus of boos from the home fans as they make their way onto the field from their dressing room.

The game finally resumes at 9.35pm, amidst the resounding cheers from the crowd, with the Scotland players returning to the pitch after a lengthy delay of one hour and 40 minutes.