On the morning of August 4th, a highly anticipated friendly match took place in the United States, featuring La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, the weather had other plans. Due to lightning, the match was abruptly halted after just 11 minutes and 35 seconds, sparking outrage among players from both teams.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, players were informed to return to the dressing room shortly after the game began. As per the event organizers’ safety regulations, if lightning is detected within an 8-mile (approximately 13 km) radius, the game must be suspended, and everyone must seek shelter immediately. The game can only resume after 30 consecutive minutes without lightning in the area. Given the severe thunderstorm warning issued for New Jersey at the time, the players were promptly recalled to the locker room after less than 15 minutes of play.
It is reported that the organizers had considered delaying the game to 9 PM local time to avoid the peak of the predicted thunderstorm, but ultimately decided to proceed as scheduled. However, human efforts were ultimately outmatched by the forces of nature, causing the first “El Clasico” of the season to be disrupted by weather conditions just moments after kick-off.
Although the 13km lightning radius might seem extensive, the United States has strict protocols in place for such situations. “They strictly follow the rules, they have no choice. As long as there is lightning, we have to wait,” explained a frustrated Real Madrid official.
Following safety protocols, the stands had to be evacuated to ensure everyone was away from potential hazards. The players’ frustration was evident, as they couldn’t understand why a mere drizzle would warrant interrupting the game. When the referee halted the match and ordered everyone to leave, the rainfall was minimal, sparking widespread protests. Coaches and players alike, including Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modrić, Hansi Flick, and Íñigo Martínez, expressed their dissatisfaction, while New Jersey State Police swiftly entered the field, following protocol to assist both teams in a prompt evacuation.
“We want to play!” Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić loudly protested to referee Armando Villarreal, urging his teammates to leave the field. Despite the lack of threatening skies and light rain, the rules are the rules. The scene became momentarily chaotic as the referee pointed toward the substitute bench, only to find that the dressing room was on the opposite side. At that point, the police intervened, guiding both teams to a safe area, ensuring the safety of all involved.
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