Coleman slams 'substandard' Andorra pitch after Wales win

UEFA has started disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Wales following the pitch invasion during last night's victory in Andorra.

Fans poured onto the pitch, after Gareth Bale's free-kick sealed the win Wales in the Euro 2016 qualifier. A UEFA statement says the matter will be dealt with by its 'Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body' on 16th October.

The FAW says it is not commenting on the investigation. Potential sanctions include a warning, a fine and points being deducted.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has praised his players for claiming a victory on a pitch he said was "not up to the standard of a UEFA qualifier".

Read more on the ITV Sport site

The pitch constantly threw up rubber crumbs from its base when the ball rolled along the surface and it was clear that Welsh players were unhappy with the surface.

"When we trained on it, my heart sunk," Coleman said after Wales began their Euro 2016 campaign with a nervous victory.

"In my opinion the pitch is not up to the standard of a UEFA qualifier.

"I didn't want to say anything about the pitch before the game, but I can now and if you're a passing team forget it."

Wales go into the half time break drawing 1-1 with Andorra in their Group B European Championship Qualifier match.

The away side got off to the worst of starts - Swansea full back Neil Taylor conceding a penalty after just 6 minutes for holding back Ivan Lorenzo in the box, with Ildefons Lima netting from the spot.

Wales did get on level terms half way through the first period though - Gareth Bale heading home after a superb Ben Davies cross.

Wales are preparing to take on Andorra in the Pyrenees tonight in their Euro 2016 campaign. Wales boss Chris Coleman has described his sides opening Euro 2016 qualifier as the 'most important game of the campaign'.

Read More: Chris Coleman says Wales need a win against Andorra

Despite Wales being the strong favourites for the match against Andorra, they have tougher tests against group favourites Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina to come before the end of the year.

Watch: Gareth Bale says 'everything is in place' for Wales to qualify

Wales boss Chris Coleman has described his sides opening Euro 2016 qualifier with Andorra as the most important game of the campaign. Wales arrived in Andorra on Monday after travelling from their base in Barcelona.

On Tuesday Wales take on Andorra on their new 3G artificial pitch, although Coleman says the only thing that matters is getting the win.

Wolves defender Sam Ricketts has become the fourth player to withdraw from the Wales squad for next Tuesday's opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Andorra.

The Football Association of Wales says Ricketts picked up an injury in training on Tuesday.

He will be replaced by 35-year-old Danny Gabbidon, who rejoined Cardiff City earlier this week in a player-coach capacity.

Defenders Adam Matthews and James Collins had previously pulled out, together with Reading striker Hal Robson-Kanu. They were replaced by Declan John, Paul Dummett and Jake Taylor, respectively.

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen, meanwhile, says Wales are confident they can "make big things happen" in their qualifying group.