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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.

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