Row breaks out over Millennium Stadium pitch

Last updated : 13 October 2008 By Wales Reporter

It's been reveal that Wales coach Dean Saunders had a row with a Millennium Stadium official after the 2 - 0 win over Liechtenstein. Saunders is not the only one to have words to say about the pitch either.

Wales captain Craig Bellamy said: "It's not the greatest pitch, it's a rugby pitch. They don't look after us here."

David Edwards, Wales' first goalscorer on Saturday, said: "I'm sure that from the side the pitch looks fantastic. But you get on it and it gives way every time you try to turn.

"The players don't know what boots to wear."

A Wales insider told us: "We're getting fed up with this and something has got to be done about it, even if it means taking games elsewhere.

"It's been well documented that the players were complaining about the pitch afterwards.

"But what isn't well known is that Saunders was doing an after-match work-out with the four substitutes who didn't get on, and also other members of the squad.

"They were told to leave the pitch and Deano had a right go at the official. We're the Welsh football team and we're trying to prepare for a big game in Germany,' he told the official."

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale has already offered Wales an alternative venue.

"When our super new stadium is built, we see it as the logical venue for Wales to play their games," he said.

A WRU spokesman said: "The Welsh Rugby Union is the proud owner of one of the most highly-regarded, versatile multi-sport and event venues in the world.

"It has been well documented that we must work hard to maintain the high standards of a playing surface appreciated by, some of the greatest sports teams from around the globe.

"We will seek to address any concerns in this instance and hope to work together to reach a satisfactory conclusion for everyone."

All quotes from the South Wales Echo.

Trending on the boards