Euro 2024 pitch labelled ‘a disgrace’ two months before tournament as star says ‘I was slipping with every move’
A PITCH set to be used for this summer’s European Championships has been branded “dangerous” and “a disgrace” just months before the tournament start date.
Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park played host to Germany’s international friendly against Netherlands on Tuesday.
Several players complained about the surface, arguing it was far too slippery.
German internationals Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz were among those who slipped several times as Julian Nagelsmann‘s side clinched a 2-1 win.
Musiala was heavily critical of the pitch at full-time, saying: “I felt like I was slipping with every move. I do a lot of turns, so it has to be a bit stable. It can be a bit slippery, but it’s dangerous as it is.”
Germany boss Nagelsmann went one step further by branding it “a catastrophe”.
According to BILD, Frankfurt were forced to change the turf at Deutsche Bank Park in November due to irreversible damage caused by two successive NFL games.
The club neglected the chance to put down a new hybrid surface and instead opted for a completely natural turf.
However, the winter weather had a terrible effect on it.
The pitch has been deemed far too slippery and dangerous by several players, managers and physios.
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Referee Felix Brych suffered an ACL tear while officiating a match between Frankfurt and Stuttgart at the stadium after the new turf was installed.
There is now a feeling among fans that the pitch could be a cause for concern with Euro 2024 fast approaching.
Deutsche Bank Park is set to host five European Championship games this summer.
But stadium manager Patrik Meyer insists there is nothing to worry about.
He told BILD: “Our grass will be great in May and June.”
Germany kick off the tournament on June 14 against Scotland at the Allianz Arena.