Stoke v Liverpool

[H18sry]

I was watching the highlightes on TV last night,and noticed Stoke had reduced the size of there pitch by at least 2 yards square by bringing in the side and goal lines, is this allowed?

[CFC]

Afaik yes, there are maximum and minimum dimensions and as long as the pitch falls withim these parameters its fine, the home team is more than within their rights to adjust the size on a game by game basis.

[Hibs Class]

I'm sure rangers did it for a european match a few years ago.

[LancashireHibby]

The dimensions were changed because Stoke's usual markings (which they used against Liverpool and for the league games) aren't big enough for UEFA guidelines for the Europa League games. Bolton had the same issue in the UEFA Cup and had to remark the pitch as a bigger size than normal. Presumably Stoke use the smaller pitch to get maximum effect from Delap's throw ins.