Tottenham Hotspur and Rennes at loggerheads regarding postponed UEFA Conference League tie
According to the French news outlet Ouest France via French Football News (h/t Daily Mail Online), Tottenham Hotspur have proposed a postponed date for the UEFA Europa Conference League clash, but Stade Rennes have instead demanded the fixture be cancelled. The match had to get rescheduled due to a Covid outbreak in the Spurs camp.
Tottenham initially released a statement that mentioned the game getting postponed due to the coronavirus crisis. However, Rennes strongly objected by saying they did not receive any confirmation from UEFA. The latter had to intervene and subsequently confirm the postponement.
Following the heated debacle, the Ligue 1 club released another statement where they asked their interests to be respected while apologising to their fans for the inconveniences. They are furious with the other parties having already travelled to England. Spurs also had enough players to play the match as per the rules adding to the French side’s frustrations.
“After being informed of the cancellation of tonight’s match by UEFA, Stade Rennais FC decided to return to Brittany. The entire delegation that will board at London City Airport has tested negative. “
“Stade Rennais FC hope that the interests of the club will be respected given the important sporting deadlines that await the Rouge et Noir this December. Stade Rennais FC is deeply sorry for the Rennes fans who decided to come to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to cheer on the Rouge et Noir.”
The North London club suggested moving the match to next Wednesday, that is, 15 December but, the French club strongly objected against it. They delivered their stance to UEFA, who now will have to find an amicable solution.
Fair play, maybe?
We can understand to an extent why the opponents are frustrated, but their actions do not show any signs of fair play. Sure following the rules would have forced us to play, but there would have been a possibility that the match itself could have led to an outbreak.
Looking at Rennes’s schedules, it is puzzling why they are angry about the situation since there is enough gap for them to get adequate rest between matches. They host Nice on 12 December, and their next fixture is only on 18 December, which is against Lorient.
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The English club’s match against Leicester City would need to have been postponed if the date would have received approval as it was on 16 December. Another thing that is puzzling is why the Lilywhites have proposed that date since it is doubtful we would get the quarantined players and staff members by that time. UEFA would need to find a solution by consulting the respective leagues as soon as possible.
