Shortly after the announcement of the cancellation of the match between Stade Toulousain and Cardiff, sanctioned by a match lost on green carpet (28-0) for the reigning European champion, the president of the red and black club called a press conference during which he did not mince his words.
A big rant.
“
Who benefits from the crime?
“, launched a Didier Lacroix animated by a strong anger.
And plagued by incomprehension as to the reason given by the EPCR for canceling this meeting: “
the risk of additional contamination is too great
”.
Read alsoCancellation of Toulouse-Cardiff: a “scandalous and unfounded decision”, protests the LNR
An incomprehensible position on the Toulouse side, the Stadium being able to field a team.
"
What's more competitive. We had anticipated, we had been rigorous. What I find incredible and scandalous is that the EPCR does not apply the rules that have been transmitted to us. Maybe our team was less competitive. Yes, Antoine Dupont is "covided". Well, let's play without him! Today, the EPCR tells us that the team we are presenting, despite our negative tests, may present a risk of transmission of the virus. Who benefits from the crime? How far are we going to go? Now we're going to have to spend the weekend watching other clubs' results. Cardiff's decision of a 28-0 victory puts our Welsh friends in a race for qualification. We, we could modestly claim to win a result against them.
»
“Did we save a life by canceling this match?
If I am not answered: "yes", then..."
Didier Lacroix, president of Stade Toulousain
For the Toulouse president, the EPCR this Friday reached “
heights in disrespect
”.
He evokes a meeting convened at the last moment when, according to him, the authority had already taken the decision to cancel the meeting.
And had even informed the leaders of Cardiff, who had canceled their chartered flight to Toulouse.
“
Did we save a life by canceling this match?
If they don't answer me: "yes", then...
” So?
Didier Lacroix has announced his intention to take legal action against an “
unacceptable
” decision.
“
What is our fault?
“Concluded the president of Stade Toulousain, very very upset.
