Ireland's game with Switzerland in Geneva will go ahead this evening after a pitch inspection, despite heavy rain leaving the pitch in an questionable.
Pictures of the playing surface have been circulating on social media over the last 24 hours, and it does not make for pretty viewing. The goalmouths and sideline in particular look in a bad state.
John Kenny of RTÉ has reported that a pitch inspection would take place to decide if the game could go ahead.
Pitch inspection at Geneva stadium at 6pm Irish time due to heavy rain all day and it’s still coming down @RTEsport @GameOn2FM
— john kenny (@JohnKennyMedia) October 15, 2019
If the pitch was deemed unplayable, the game would have been played tomorrow night.
There will be a pitch inspection at the Stade Geneve shortly. If the pitch is deemed unplayable the match may be played tomorrow according to Uefa 2020 regulations. @RTEsoccer @FAIreland #SUIIRL
— Tony O'Donoghue (@Corktod) October 15, 2019
The officials took their time inspecting the pitch, but the ball seemed to be rolling pretty well (for the most part).
Pitch inspection is now underway pic.twitter.com/VlIuSrvPPx
— Gordon Manning (@Gordon_Manning) October 15, 2019
Pitch inspection ongoing...looks in rag order but highly unlikely to be a postponement unless Hagibis drops by...#Suiirl pic.twitter.com/NgyuerYy9y
— david kelly (@dk3lly) October 15, 2019
A poor Swiss roll? https://t.co/vqdvpwdJET pic.twitter.com/G0uU7pdtHP
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 15, 2019
Eventually, word came through that the referee was happy with the playing surface and that the game would go ahead.
Just been told by an official that the referee says the game will go ahead. Rain is easing and expected to stop. Some areas of pitch under water though and two groundskeepers working on that now. @RTEsoccer @FAIreland #suiirl
— Tony O'Donoghue (@Corktod) October 15, 2019
