ATALANTA’S clash against Como has been postponed due to a torrential downpour.
The Serie A clash was set to kick-off at 19:45 – but everyone now has to come back at the same time tomorrow.
EPAAtalanta vs Como has been called off[/caption]
GettyThe ball struggled to roll in the grass[/caption]
ReutersKick-off was delayed by an hour then fans were sent home[/caption]
ReutersFans took shelter at the back of the ground[/caption]
ReutersBut some braved the conditions[/caption]
A statement from league chiefs initially confirmed: “Atalanta vs Como has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Another pitch inspection will be carried out shortly.”
The players from both clubs had gone out onto the pitch to warm-up ahead of kick-off.
But the action was compared to “water polo” by one fan watching on.
The referee then carried out an inspection of the pitch by rolling the ball on the surface as the two captains watched on.
The ball struggled to move, getting stuck on the waterlogged grass and huge puddles also began to appear.
A second inspection was then carried out 15 minutes later, with the referee deciding the game should go ahead.
But Atalanta skipper Maarten De Roon reportedly called the decision “madness” as the rain continued to fall.
After another discussion, the ref postponed the game until tomorrow as supporters inside the stadium were sent home.
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Atalanta are in this season’s Champions League and drew 0-0 with Arsenal on Thursday last week.
As for Como, they are winless in four games since promotion from the second tier.
They are managed by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.