PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Heavy rain and an incoming thunderstorm prompted a delay at halftime of Monday’s World Cup match between France and Iraq and sent thousands of fans seeking shelter.
It was the first rain delay of the tournament. There was also heavy rain ahead of Monday night’s scheduled game between Norway and Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With France leading 1-0 at halftime, scoreboard messages directed the crowd to take shelter in the stadium’s covered areas, warning that a severe storm was on the way. Sheets of rain continued to fall through halftime as fans huddled in the concourse and under balconies.
The stoppage was initially expected to extend the 15-minute halftime break by another 15 minutes. As the delay dragged on, stadium officials announced that “the game will resume when deemed safe.”
A FIFA rule requires games to be paused and seating areas evacuated for 30 minutes if lightning is detected within 8 miles. Each strike resets the clock.
France and Iraq played through a downpour that started in the 37th minute. Fans donned ponchos and most stayed in their seats until they were told to find shelter at halftime.
A small number of fans remained in their seats despite the warning. They were asked again by a public-address announcer to seek shelter.
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