World Cup: Northern Ireland qualifier against Russia faces pitch inspection

World Cup: Northern Ireland qualifier against Russia faces pitch inspection

Overnight rain and snow has left wintry conditions in the city, making the Windsor Park pitch a major concern.

With the Linfield stadium exposed to the elements and lacking undersoil heating, officials checked the pitch at 10am, after which they announced that they would need to hold a further inspection.

Referee Tom Hagen from Norway is planning to hold the second inspection once the snow has been cleared from the playing surface.

The snow has also forced the closure of the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport.