When the storm hit Stade Mayol, chaos ensued, leading to the last-minute postponement of the Top 14 clash between Toulon and La Rochelle. The initial 9:05 PM kickoff was delayed by 15 minutes before officials ultimately scrapped the match as torrential rains battered the venue, with 10,000 fans left stranded in the storm. The officiating decision, made under extreme weather conditions, sparked a furious backlash from fans who felt their safety had been compromised.
Angry supporters took to social media to vent their frustration, posting alarming images and videos of the flooding at the stadium. One particular tweet captured the sentiment of the night:
"The prefecture has blood on its hands... You played with our lives. How can a match be held in such conditions?"
echoed the outrage of fans who questioned the rationale behind proceeding with the game amidst such a violent storm.
Another fan expressed dismay over the decision to not cancel the game sooner, stating, "How could you agree to play despite the apocalyptic weather and not oppose the foolish directives?" This sentiment was shared widely, especially in light of the postponed football match between Marseille and PSG, which was called off under similar conditions.
The criticism wasn't just limited to the fans. Questions were also raised about the decision-making process, with one exasperated fan asking, "Who insisted that this match be played!? The broadcaster? How could a prefectural authority with so many weather forecasting resources have authorized this?"
In response to the uproar, Rugby Club Toulonnais issued a statement acknowledging the severe weather and the disruption caused. They commended the fans for their cooperation and promised to announce the rescheduled match date soon, likely in November, along with details on ticketing arrangements.
The club expressed gratitude towards its supporters: "The entire Rugby Club Toulonnais team thanks all of its supporters for their commitment and solidarity. See you soon in Mayol." They ensured that the safety and well-being of fans and players remained a priority, despite the unforeseen natural calamity that unfolded.
As the cleanup and assessments continue, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the paramount importance of safety in sporting events. The fury of the fans, though palpable, underscores a deep-seated passion for the game, intertwined with concerns over governance and decision-making in critical situations.
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When the storm hit Stade Mayol, chaos ensued, leading to the last-minute postponement of the Top 14 clash between Toulon and La Rochelle. The initial 9:05 PM kickoff was delayed by 15 minutes before officials ultimately scrapped the match as torrential rains battered the venue, with 10,000 fans left stranded in the storm. The officiating decision, made under extreme weather conditions, sparked a furious backlash from fans who felt their safety had been compromised.
Angry supporters took to social media to vent their frustration, posting alarming images and videos of the flooding at the stadium. One particular tweet captured the sentiment of the night:
"The prefecture has blood on its hands... You played with our lives. How can a match be held in such conditions?"
echoed the outrage of fans who questioned the rationale behind proceeding with the game amidst such a violent storm.Another fan expressed dismay over the decision to not cancel the game sooner, stating, "How could you agree to play despite the apocalyptic weather and not oppose the foolish directives?" This sentiment was shared widely, especially in light of the postponed football match between Marseille and PSG, which was called off under similar conditions.
The criticism wasn't just limited to the fans. Questions were also raised about the decision-making process, with one exasperated fan asking, "Who insisted that this match be played!? The broadcaster? How could a prefectural authority with so many weather forecasting resources have authorized this?"
In response to the uproar, Rugby Club Toulonnais issued a statement acknowledging the severe weather and the disruption caused. They commended the fans for their cooperation and promised to announce the rescheduled match date soon, likely in November, along with details on ticketing arrangements.
The club expressed gratitude towards its supporters: "The entire Rugby Club Toulonnais team thanks all of its supporters for their commitment and solidarity. See you soon in Mayol." They ensured that the safety and well-being of fans and players remained a priority, despite the unforeseen natural calamity that unfolded.
As the cleanup and assessments continue, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the paramount importance of safety in sporting events. The fury of the fans, though palpable, underscores a deep-seated passion for the game, intertwined with concerns over governance and decision-making in critical situations.