STOKE-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom (AFP) - A ferocious hailstorm sent players and officials scampering for cover and caused Manchester United's League Cup quarter-final at Stoke City to be temporarily halted on Wednesday.

With 28 minutes on the clock at the Britannia Stadium and the score 0-0, a sudden downpour of hail prompted referee Mark Clattenburg to wave the players off to the side of the pitch.

As players pulled their jerseys over their heads to protect themselves from the hail, Clattenburg spoke to officials from both sides before leading the two teams down the tunnel.

Once the storm had abated, the players re-emerged and play resumed following a delay of 10 minutes.