Chelsea's Club World Cup match with Benfica was suspended with only minutes remaining due to safety concerns. After 86 minutes had been played, the referee blew his whistle and told the players to leave the pitch, with the American crowd urged to find shelter in a message displayed on the big screen.
Lightning in Charlotte, United States, has prompted a severe weather warning which caused the game to be halted. Blues boss Enzo Maresca was seen visibly irate on the touchline as he called for the match to be completed. The English side had been leading 1-0 thanks to Reece James' free-kick.
Marc Cucurella could also be seen protesting towards referee Slavko Vincic, but the official had to follow strict protocol in the area, with the Club World Cup hit by several such delays throughout the tournament.
A message displayed at the Bank of America Stadium read: "Seek cover protocol. Sever weather in the area. Seek cover."
FIFA issued a statement which read: "Due to adverse weather conditions in Charlotte, including the risk of lightning in the vicinity of Bank of America Stadium, the FIFA Club World Cup match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC has been suspended. A 30-minute break has been foreseen. FIFA will follow the established safety protocols, and the match will resume as soon as it’s safe to do so."
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