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Manchester City v Borussia Monchengladbach called off because of waterlogged pitch at the Etihad Stadium

MANCHESTER CITY’S opening Champions League game with Borussia Monchengladbach has been called off on due to adverse weather conditions as the Etihad Stadium pitch became waterlogged in a deluge.

Officials conducted a pitch inspection at the newly-expanded arena – but after hours of rain the field of play was sodden and the ball would not roll over the grass.

Man City's Champions League match called off after heavy rain
Officials attempted to kick the ball on the pitch but there was too much standing water
Officials attempted to kick the ball on the pitch but there was too much standing water
Getty Images
There was obvious standing water at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the game
There was obvious standing water at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the game
Reuters

The game now has to be played within 24 hours of the original fixture or on an available date slot.

Fans were told at 7:30pm that the game was postponed due to adverse weather conditions and some Monchengladbach fans could be seen wringing their shirts out, while other supporters wore ponchos.

Players had yet to even begin their warm-ups on the field of play as of 7:15 as the rain continued to pelt down.

The ball clearly was not moving far when officials went to kick it at the Etihad
The ball clearly was not moving far when officials went to kick it at the Etihad
Reuters
The rain had been falling intensely at the Etihad Stadium
The rain had been falling intensely at the Etihad Stadium
PA:Press Association
Fans arrived at the Etihad Stadium in ponchos as the rain streamed down in Manchester
Fans arrived at the Etihad Stadium in ponchos as the rain streamed down in Manchester
Getty Images
Screens at the Etihad Stadium made the announcement that the game was off
Screens at the Etihad Stadium made the announcement that the game was off
EPA
Telly journalist Geoff Shreeves stands on the sidelines at the Etihad under an umbrella
Telly journalist Geoff Shreeves stands on the sidelines at the Etihad under an umbrella
Reuters
Borussia Monchengladbach players go to their fans to perform an Iceland-style clap and say thanks for traveling to Manchester as the match is postponed
Borussia Monchengladbach players go to their fans to perform an Iceland-style clap and say thanks for travelling to Manchester as the match is postponed
PA:Press Association
Borussia Monchengladbach players and fans 'Thunder Clap' after game is called off

A video tweeted by the Manchester City account showed the intense lightning storm above Lancashire proving it would be potentially dangerous to play football.

City were due to welcome Sergio Aguero back into the team after missing the Manchester derby through suspension.

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