Many of Tottenham’s first-team players were tested positive for Covid-19 resulting in the cancellation of Thursday’s game vs Rennes.
Tottenham have announced that Thursday’s Europa Conference League encounter against Rennes has been called off due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
Yesterday, Antonio Conte confirmed that eight players along with five staff members were tested positive for Spurs. As a result, the team could not manage to sort enough players and there is a risk factor involved.
However, Rennes were not quite happy with Tottenham’s decision and argue that the announcement was made unilaterally.
The Premier League club’s official statement read: “We can confirm that our UEFA Europa Conference League Group G home fixture against Stade Rennais will not take place tomorrow (Thursday 9 December at 8pm UK) after a number of positive COVID-19 cases at the Club.”
“Discussions are ongoing with UEFA and we shall provide a further update on this fixture in due course.”
“Additionally, following discussions with the Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) and DCMS advisers, the Club has been advised to close the First Team area of its Training Centre at this time, in the interests of the health and safety of players and staff.”
“All other areas of the Training Centre remain operational.”
Rennes’ angry response to Spurs.
The French side immediately made their announcement saying: “In a video conference between representatives of UEFA, Tottenham and Rennes, the Spurs director of football announced their intention not to play the UEFA Europa Conference League game Thursday evening, a unilateral decision which has not been confirmed by UEFA in any way.”
“The Tottenham representative did not want to announce the number of their players affected by Covid while the rule states that a game must be played as long as the team has 13 outfielders and a keeper.”
“They argued for a decision by the English authorities without advancing any official document. As the match was not officially cancelled by UEFA, Rennes upheld their decision to play.”
“Faced with this ‘London fog’, Rennes reserves the right to approach UEFA. This lack of fair play is all the more glaring as Tottenham had confirmed by email that the match would be held at the start of the afternoon before warning Rennes of their intention not to play just after their landing in London.”
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