Liverpool's players went on the pitch to applaud those who had turned up
Liverpool’s opening friendly of the season, against Saudi champions Al-Hilal, a match due to be Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge has been called off after torrential rain in Austria.
The game was initially delayed while stadium staff attempted to remove the vast amounts of water that fell late afternoon but the gods didn’t shine on the reds, and as the heavens continued to open the officials were left with no choice but to call off the game.
Liverpool had produced a team sheet for the match suggesting Roy was keen to play a 4-4-2 line-up, including a recall to the first team for Albert Riera, who was suspended and fined for his comments on the state of the club last season.
The teamsheet was:
Gulacsi, Degen, Darby, Ayala, Kelly, Lucas, Aquilani, Riera, Amoo, Dalla Valle, Ngog.
Subs: Hansen, Spearing, Irwin, Shelvey, Ince, Eccleston, Palsson.
Liverpool will be hoping for better weather for Wednesday’s game at 6.30pm against Grasshopppers Zurich of Switzerland.