After racism, violence and empty seats... now thunderstorms hit Euro 2012 as Ukraine v France is suspended

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 11:29 EST, 15 June 2012 | Updated: 14:05 EST, 15 June 2012

Ukraine's Group D showdown with France was dramatically SUSPENDED after thunderstorms forced the teams off after just five minutes.

Torrential rain hit Donetsk's Donbass Stadium before the 5pm kick-off - but the teams were hauled off by referee Bjorn Kuipers.

It was the latest in a long-line of problems to hit the tournament in Ukraine and Poland, following allegations of vile racist chanting during some games and shameful scenes of hooliganism which saw over 180 arrests following violent clashes between Poland and Russia supporters on Tuesday.

Water torture: Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers (C) stops the game due to the adverse weather conditions

Water torture: Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers (C) stops the game due to the adverse weather conditions as thousands of fans escape for shelter after lightning strikes the Donbass Arena

Storm: Lightning strikes the Donbass Arena as thousands of fans escape for shelter

Fork lightning lit up the night sky above the stadium as one stand was cleared as a security measure.

However, sections of Ukraine and France supporters revelled in the weather and danced in the stands despite being drenched while others rushed for cover.

Despite fears the game would get abandoned and rescheduled for Saturday, it was given the go-ahead to resume at 6pm as conditions appeared to ease.

The 50-minute delay, however, means the match threatened to overlap with the other Group D encounter in which England take on Sweden in Kiev. However, that match was put back to an 8pm kick-off so there was no clash.

Rain stops play: Both sets of players are lead back to the dressing rooms after play was suspended after five minutes

Rain stops play: Both sets of players are lead back to the dressing rooms after play was suspended after five minutes

Ref Kuipers (R) talks to Ukrainian forward Andriy Voronin as he stops the game
France fans share the moment with a kiss

Wet and wild: Ref Kuipers (R) talks to Ukrainian forward Andriy Voronin as he stops the game, while a French-supporting couple share a passionate embrace in the stands

Slide away: France's Samir Nasri (L) and Ukraine's Taras Mikhalik (R) fight for the ball as heavy rain pours down

Slide away: France's Samir Nasri (L) and Ukraine's Taras Mikhalik (R) fight for the ball as heavy rain pours down

Under cover: Stands were quickly deserted in the stadium while some fans used ponchos and umbrellas in an attempt to keep dry

Under cover: Stands were quickly deserted in the stadium while some fans used ponchos and umbrellas in an attempt to keep dry

Give me shelter: Ukrainian fans brave the weather as driving rain hots the stadium

Give me shelter: Ukrainian fans brave the weather as driving rain hots the stadium

Storm hit: France and Ukraine made a quick exit from the field after the conditions became unplayable

Storm hit: France and Ukraine made a quick exit from the field after the conditions became unplayable


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