Torrential rain causes long suspension of Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia

Torrential rain forced a lengthy suspension to Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday, with play abandoned after just 10 minutes before eventually resuming at 9.35pm local time.

The game at Hampden Park kicked off under heavy rainfall and with players splashing around on a pitch that was heavily waterlogged.

Scotland nevertheless found an early opener through Callum McGregor, who hammered home a low shot after six minutes to send the Tartan Army heading towards a fourth consecutive Group A victory.

But play was soon called to a halt due to the unplayable condition of the pitch, and both teams filed down the tunnel and back to their changing rooms.

A lengthy delay ensued, during which Hungarian referee Istvan Vad carefully inspected the pitch as ground staff worked furiously to brush away the surface water.

Eventually, the game looked set to resume at 9.15pm and the Scotland players returned to the pitch.

However, the Georgia squad did not reappear and there was confusion about whether the game would go ahead again.

An announcement was then made that the game would resume at 9.30pm – around the time it was originally due to finish – but it took until 9.35pm for a ball to be kicked.

Steve Clarke’s side have enjoyed a superb start to their qualifying campaign.

Wins over Cyprus and Spain in March got them off to a perfect start, before a stunning late comeback against Norway on Saturday made it three wins from three.

They went into Tuesday night’s clash as runaway group leaders on nine points, five clear of Georgia who have a game in hand.