Players of Galatasaray and Juventus walk out of the pitch as their match is paused for 20 minutes due a heavy snowfall during their Champions League soccer match in Istanbul December 10, 2013. (Photo: Reuters)
Galatasaray's Champions League Group B match against Juventus will continue on Wednesday at 1300 GMT after it was abandoned due to heavy snowfall, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.
"The UEFA Champions League Group B fixture between Galatasaray and Juventus will continue on Wednesday from 1300 CET after Tuesday's match was abandoned due to snow," UEFA said on its website (www.uefa.com).
The game was suspended in the 32nd minute at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi stadium with the score 0-0.
"The match was abandoned for tonight. The referee, in consultation with the team captains and coaches, agreed that the conditions were no longer playable," UEFA Media Officer Amanuel Abate said.
"The match will be played tomorrow. Weather conditions have been quite extreme."
Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca ordered both teams off the pitch to allow the lines to be cleared by groundstaff, but the match was called off after a 20-minute break.
"The referee made this decision to protect footballers' health, because it was hail rather than snow, and he thought it threatened the players' well-being," said Galatasaray board member Sukru Ergun.
He added that the game was likely to take place at 1400 GMT on Wednesday.
"UEFA officials will reassess the situation on Wednesday morning, the timing may change, but the game will start no later than 1500 GMT on Wednesday."
Juventus need a point to join group winners Real Madrid in the last 16, while a Galatasaray victory would see them claim second place and a spot in the knockout stages.
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