Torrential rain halts Euro 2012 match between Ukraine and France in Donetsk

Torrential rain in Donetsk caused the Euro 2012 match between Ukraine and France to be suspended this afternoon.

The Group D game was just five minutes old, with the score at 0-0, when thunder and lightning rocked the stadium in Ukraine and heavy rain pelted the players and fans.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers took the decision to take the players off the pitch as fans in the lower parts of the stadium retreated for cover.

Chris Waddle, talking on BBC Radio 5 live said: "They've gone off for the safety of the players. There's that much rain going on the pitch the referee couldn't take the risk of continuing."

With the weather easing, it was announced the match would resume at 6pm.

The other two teams in Group D, England and Sweden, play later today in Kiev.