If you’re betting on the Champions League clash this Wednesday then you ought to recognize that variabilities of a horrific kind can result in tons of money lost. Take note: the pitch at Luzhniki Stadium—the stadium hosting the final—is what Brits like to call, “shite.”

The blocks of grass had been frozen for several days and they are now struggling to bed in to form an even surface. English head groundsman Matthew Frost said: “It’s not like one of the better Premier League pitches, far from it. Unfortunately things didn’t work out. The ball may not travel perfectly like on a pitch that has been in situ for some time. There might be a bit of a bobble.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McMahon was far more critical and fears for the players’ safety. He told Sky Sports News: “It’s awful and embarrassing. There are undulations and, to be frank, it’s very dangerous for the players if it stays the way it is. The players won’t be happy.”

Men with funny hats are currently hauling loads of turf from Slovakia and trying to ease the speculation that the field will be in shards before the match. We can see it now: “Cristiano Ronaldo falls through 5-foot wide divot and Didier Drogba breaks leg after giant boulder is found underneath the 12 yard marker.” Way to go, Moscow.

Chelsea and United players told to expect a pitch battle in Moscow [Daily Mail]
Image [Daily Mail]