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Gareth Bale peels back turf as pitch raises concern

Gareth Bale has been seen peeling back the turf as concerns were raised over the quality of the pitch for Wales’ Euro 2016 quarter-final with Belgium.

The surface at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy has been cleared by UEFA after it was relaid last Friday because of "irreversible damage to the surface” by bad weather.

Gareth Bale was seen pulling back a corner of one of the re-laid strips during a pitch visit with his team-mates. Credit: PA

The pitch did not appear to trouble the teams in Sunday's last-16 clash between Germany and Slovakia but Wales’ walk around on the eve of the game raised eyebrows.

Neither Chris Coleman's side or Belgium were able to train at the ground in order to protect the grass, which was closely scrutinised by the Welsh players and backroom staff.

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