Another Fifa Club World Cup match has been suspended due to adverse weather conditions with spectators ordered to ‘take shelter inside the stadium’.
Brazilian side Palmeiras were leading Egyptian outfit Al Ahly 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was ordered to halt play just after the hour mark.
With lightning in the nearby area, a message displayed on big screens around the stadium urged fans to get inside.
The MetLife Stadium is one of the venues hosting games at next summer’s World Cup.
‘Your attention please. For your safety, we are going to have everyone leave the Seating Bowl area and take shelter inside the stadium because of severe weather in the area,’ the message read.
‘Event staff are available to guide and assist you. Those on the field, please walk calmy to the nearest tunnel, to the West Hall, or the service corridor.’
After a delay of over an hour, the teams emerged from the tunnel to resume the match at 7:15pm BST.
Manchester City and Chelsea, the Premier League’s representatives in the competition, are yet to experience any issues.
It is the third time a match has been suspended since the revamped competition began on Sunday.
Red Bull Salzburg’s clash with Mexican side Pachuca was suspended as torrential rain hit the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati in the early hours of the morning.
That came after the group match between Mamelodi Sundown and Ulsan HD was delayed by almost an hour.
US safety protocols ensure sporting events must be suspended for at least 30 minutes if there is thunder and lightning nearby.
The revamped and expanded Club World Cup is taking place in the United States for the first time and is serving as somewhat of a dress rehearsal for next summer’s World Cup which will be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Five of next summer’s venues are hosting games this month with the competition taking place amid a backdrop of concern around attendances. Empty seats have been a common sight across the first five days of action.
The clash between Red Bed Salzburg and Pachuca took place in front of just 5282 fans at the TQL Stadium which had a capacity of 26,000.
3,142 fans were in attendance at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida for the Group F clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD.
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