8 Dec 2015

North Harbour game probably shouldn't have gone ahead

6:41 am on 8 December 2015

Professional Footballers Australia says Saturday night's A-League game between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory at North Harbour Stadium probably shouldn't have gone head.

Phoenix striker Roy Krishna

Phoenix striker Roy Krishna Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Large patches of exposed dirt were clearly visible, there were pot-holes and a lot of sand.

The Phoenix won the match two-nil.

The former Australian international Simon Colosimo, is the player relations manager for PFA , and he said the pitch was unacceptable for professional football.

"The pitch and the surface posed huge risks to the health and safety of players and it also impacted the quality of play," said Colosimo.

"It was a great result for Phoenix but to get that continued relationship with the fans the spectacle has to be better."

PFA says a review of the A-League's playing surface minimum standards should be conducted and they'll be asking how Football Federation Australia decided the pitch was up to standard.

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