DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — The Ukraine-France game at the European Championship was halted after just five minutes Friday because of a fierce thunderstorm.

Dutch referee Bjoern Kuipers pointed upward and blew his whistle, signaling a rare stoppage for weather. The players sprinted to the tunnel at Donbass Arena as torrential rain poured and lightning flashed in the night sky.

The match began at 6 p.m. local time and organizers say it will not resume before 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Some fans stayed in their seats and even danced in the downpour.

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