CRAIG KICKS FAKE GRASS

Bellamy's turf war over Kazakh artificial pitch

- RICHARD LEWIS

CRAIG BELLAMY says he does not understand why Wales are playing their World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan on an artificial pitch.

The Astana Arena was opened in July 2009 at a cost of $185m and the 30,000-capacity venue is used to hosting major club and international football matches as Kazakhstan's biggest stadium.

Although the venue has a retractable roof, artificial turf was installed to protect the pitch against the harsh Kazakh winter.

The surface has passed the 'FIFA 2 Star test' to ensure the artificial turf meets professional, international standards.