Patchy pitch for Liverpool vs Man City clash was not laid until a day before kick-off

Manchester City's friendly with Liverpool descended into farce after it emerged the MetLife Stadium's shoddy pitch was not laid until a day before kick-off.

Sportsmail understands ground staff were not able to re-turf the surface until 5am on Tuesday.

Pop star Taylor Swift performed three dates at the stadium over the weekend. Both City and Liverpool stars risked injury by playing on the patchy pitch, with balls not running true and bobbling.

Mohamed Salah was not risked and named on the bench by Jurgen Klopp, who will be sure to complain at the pitch's condition.

Pep Guardiola saw a marquee friendly against bitter rivals Manchester United called off in China two years ago after concerns for the playing surface.

That was also in the International Champions Cup, who are sure to be embarrassed at the issues faced in New York.

Liverpool sent a delegation to check on the surface on Wednesday. The referee, Sorin Stoica, performed a 15-minute check shortly before kick-off, including passing balls to Virgil Van Dijk in a bid to see if the ball ran smoothly.

Solanke was one of several players who was seen stomping on the pitch with his feet on a surface that resembled a cabbage patch.

It is set to be ripped up against after the friendly ahead of Real Madrid's friendly with Roma.