Chelsea’s Club World Cup last 16 clash with Benfica has been suspended with just five minutes remaining after a weather warning in the area.
Severe weather warning around the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina forced the referee to immediately halt the game with all players removed from the pitch and taken inside.
A message displayed on the screens inside the ground told fans to take cover away from their seats and head for the concourse.
It read: “Seek cover protocol. Severe weather in the area. Seek cover.”
Heat in the area had reportedly hit highs of 33 degrees Celsius during the game.
Players were frustrated at the decision to delay the game, with Marc Cucurella seen protesting towards referee Slavko Vincic.
It was confirmed moments after the game was suspended that there would be a 30-minute delay before play could resume.
Free-To-Air broadcasters Sporty TV later reported that the suspension would be extended by further 30 minutes. When hopes were that 30 minutes would soon be over, they reported additional 30 minutes delay.
Enzo Maresca’s side were winning 1-0 through Reece James’ clever free-kick, and on the brink of securing a quarter-final clash with Brazilians Palmeiras.
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