Manchester United, City ICC clash in China canceled over field conditions

Recent extreme weather made the playing surface at Beijing's National Stadium unfit for play.

BEIJING (AP) — The International Champions Cup match between Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City has been canceled after recent extreme weather made the playing surface at Beijing's National Stadium unfit for play.

Organizers say the decision to call off Monday's match was made in the interests of player safety, and in conjunction with both clubs, the China Football Association and management of the stadium, which was the main venue for the 2008 Olympics.

In a statement, International Champions Cup organizers said that "due to international travel schedules and planned sporting commitments, the match cancellation is definitive and the match will not be re-scheduled."

This is the pitch at the Bird's Nest. Can see why MUFC v MCFC was cancelled now. It's in a very poor state. pic.twitter.com/jywTSmnn8L

— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) July 25, 2016

Manchester United lost the first match during its China trip, falling to Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on Friday in Shanghai.