Football
ESPN staff 7y

UEFA rules that Rostov pitch is playable despite United misgivings

UEFA has said that Manchester United's Europa League game at Russian club FC Rostov will go ahead despite concerns over the state of the pitch.

In a statement, European football's governing body said: "A pitch inspection has been carried out by match officials on Wednesday.

"The playing surface may not be in perfect condition, but has been deemed playable.

"The match will go ahead as scheduled."

Earlier, United boss Jose Mourinho claimed UEFA had dismissed his complaints that the pitch was dangerous by saying the United players are insured.

Rostov boss Ivan Daniliants has said the pitch will be a "problem" for both sides.

And Mourinho, speaking at his prematch news conference, said: "It's still hard for me to believe that we are going to play [there].

"I know that we have to, but it is hard for me to believe we are going to play on that field -- if you can call it a field.

"And I don't know what team to play, really. I don't know if Henrikh Mkhitaryan is going to play, I don't know.

"I have now a lot to think [about] because I was expecting something more playable.

"In a very similar pitch in the summer in China, we and Manchester City decided not to play. But it looks like we have to play."

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