Wednesday 14 September 2016 10:59, UK
Manchester City's Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach has been rearranged for 7.45pm on Wednesday.
Tuesday's tie was postponed after the Etihad Stadium pitch was left unplayable by a spell of incessant rain, as well as a spectacular thunder and lightning storm, in Manchester and nearby areas.
The German side had hoped to play the rearranged game slightly earlier, in order to travel home on the same day, but a 6pm kick-off was overruled.
Spokesman Markus Aretz said: "We asked UEFA and Manchester City play at 6pm because for sporting reasons we wanted to fly back to Germany.
"That was important for us, but City could not make that possible. I don't know the reasons why, they said we had to play at 7.45 like today. So UEFA had to make the decision to play at 7.45. We are not happy with that, but we have to take it like it is.
"City offered us to spend the next night in the academy. That was no help because a hotel was not a problem.
"I think it is always a disadvantage when you have to stay one day longer than planned. I think for the away team it is a disadvantage, without fans."
The German side confirmed on Wednesday that they would reimburse all away tickets for the match, regardless of whether they were used for the re-arranged fixture.
Referee Bjorn Kuipers inspected the pitch on two occasions but the ball would not roll properly and with areas of standing water on the pitch the decision to postpone the tie was made 20 minutes before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off.
City confirmed news of the abandonment on their official Twitter feed but a later statement referred to safety conditions around the stadium.
It read: "Tonight's UEFA Champions League fixture at home to Borussia Monchengladbach has been postponed.
"Torrential rainfall across Manchester throughout the evening led to flooding in the areas around the ground, which forced the decision on safety and security grounds.
"Previously purchased tickets and hospitality for today's date will remain valid for tomorrow."
