'Cricket Pitch' Approved Prior To A-League Match

Auckland Stadiums has hit back at criticism of the playing surface in last night's A-League match at North Harbour Stadium.

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat slammed the pitch after losing 2-nil to the Phoenix, saying no teams could find rhythm due to the potholes, mud patches and sand.

"We've had the unfortunate pleasure of playing on a few cricket pitches, but apart from the cricket pitch the rest of the surface is ok. The last time I checked grass is a pretty vital ingredient for a football game, and there was none there today," Muscat said.

However, director of Auckland Stadiums Paul Nisbet says in a statement that the playing surface was inspected and approved by the FFA last Thursday.

He says that in approving the playing surface, it was deemed to be stable and not considered to compromise player safety.

Regional Facilities Auckland says the condition was due to cool overnight temperatures in spring which slowed grass growth, and they're conducting a full review.

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