England stars complain of ‘strange stains’ on kits as Fifa deny using ‘Augusta trick’ on World Cup pitches
ENGLAND stars have reportedly been complaining of strange stains on their kits after World Cup matches.
And it has forced Fifa to deny they are using the cheeky Augusta trick on pitches.
As reported by the Daily Mail, players are unhappy with the bizarre marks when they come off at the end of matches – different from regular grass stains.
It led to suspicions the Qatar 2022 groundstaff are deploying a cheeky trick to make the pitches look in perfect condition.
The greenkeepers at the Augusta National Golf Club are responsible for making the iconic Masters golf tournament look picture perfect every year.
And they even paint patches of discoloured grass green to hide any blemishes.
There were feelings among some the same was being done at the World Cup to hide any problems with the pitches.
But Fifa quashed the suggestions but did confirm warm-up areas are marked out with green paint.
Luke Shaw had particularly prominent green marks during England’s 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal on Sunday.
But it did not hold him back as he helped keep the Three Lions’ third clean sheet in a row.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
That set up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with France back at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday evening.
It is still unknown if Raheem Sterling will be available to return for the clash after flying home to be with his family following a raid on his Surrey house.
Should Gareth Southgate’s men see off the world champions, they could face the likes of Spain or Portugal in the semi-final for the right to likely take on Argentina or Brazil in the final on December 18.