Dundee United midfielder Scott Robertson admits he has been struck by the crazy nature of his first venture into European competition.
United trail AEK Athens 1-0 following the first-leg and the pitch at their Olympic Stadium home was deemed unplayable for the second-leg. The replacement venue was then vandalised, apparently by Panionios fans unhappy at their rivals being allowed to play there.
The home of Olympiakos was finally confirmed as the venue about 24 hours before kick-off, and Robertson said: "I won't lie, it hasn't been easy because of all the uncertainty. It has been the craziest thing I've experienced in a build-up to a game."
He added: "I know the fans in Scotland are passionate but this is a whole new level.
"It's the mentality over there, it seems to be the way things are."
UEFA recently suspended Andorran side Santa Coloma for two years and imposed a 3-0 defeat on them in a Champions League qualifier because of the state of their playing surface but allowed AEK several lifelines.
But Robertson said: "It's not for me to comment on whether it's fair or not.
"It's part of playing in Europe so if this is what happens then so be it.
"We desperately wanted to be in Europe and I'd much rather have this than be playing in the first rounds of the CIS Cup the other night.
"We worked hard to get to Europe so we're determined to make the most of it, no matter what it throws up."
Source: PA
