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CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Discussion started by Darraghgirl , 10 December, 2017 22:13
CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Darraghgirl 10 December, 2017 22:13
According to EPRC the game will be played at 17.30 on Monday 11th behind closed doors.
No word as to whether it will be broadcast
Bu**er

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 10 December, 2017 22:36
Well that's a bummer and no mistake. At the very least EPCR needs to do a deal with BT such that anyone can get the game on telly, subscriber or no.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
David@Sarries 10 December, 2017 23:01
This is absolutely the worst decision ever made!

Who in their right mind thinks that playing one of the games of the tournament behind closed doors is a good idea???

How is this fair to Saracen's players or supporters???

Who's going to make up the club's reven♝ue shortfall?

Ridiculous decision.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/12/2017 23:01 by David@Sarries.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Waldo 10 December, 2017 23:05
Why couldn’t they just have done that today ?

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
camerounfred 10 December, 2017 23:08
Quote:
David@Sarries
This is absolutely the worst decision ever made!
Who in their right mind thinks that playing one of the games of the tournament behind closed doors is a good idea???

How is this fair to Saracen's players or supporters???

Who's going to make up the club's reven♝ue shortfall?

Ridiculous decision.

And how do I get my refund?

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
GazzaFez 10 December, 2017 23:25
The exact wording.....

Quote:
EPCR

The postponed Champions Cup, Round 3 fixture between Saracens and ASM Clermont Auvergne will now be played tomorrow (Monday, 11 December) at Allianz Park with the kick-off scheduled for 5.30pm (local time).

With continuing adverse weather conditions expected in the vicinity of the stadium, it has been decided that due to health and safety concerns, the Pool 2 match will be played behind closed doors and no spectators will be permitted to attend.

Only necessary staff and accredited working media will have access to the venue.

EPCR would like to thank all match ticket holders for their understanding.


I wonder if 'accredited media' covers TV crew? They have to have TMO capability (cameras etc) but obviously they don't have to have the outside broadcast kit (satellite). So no real hint if it will be broadcast on TV.

That is a real shame to put it mildly. I could have got to the game as well. However, the local forecast for tomorrow is still very dodgy with snow predicted all throughout the day so who knows now what will happen.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
maynas 10 December, 2017 23:36
I for one have no understanding for them to be thankful for. So will we season ticket holders get a refund? Unlikely. I hope I meet one of these EPCR prats sometime soon....
As for playing tomorrow in the icy conditions after dark? Crazy. Why not play at midday when at least it won't be freezing. Don't see as it matters as no crowd there?

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Barnesy 10 December, 2017 23:59
Quote:
maynas
As for playing tomorrow in the icy conditions after dark? Crazy. Why not play at midday when at least it won't be freezing. Don't see as it matters as no crowd there?


Hopefully it's to allow BT time to get in and setup so the game can at least be on tv

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
GazzaFez 11 December, 2017 00:25
Done a bit of Twitter trawling (in French) so translation not perfect.....

OK so first the good news. It seems the match will be streamed.

Now the bad news! The President of ASM has said he refuses to play at 5.30pm!

Reason given is that it is beyond the 24 Hr postponement window!!!!

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
GazzaFez 11 December, 2017 00:33
Even better....

Ben Kay has just Tweeted that if the match does go ahead it will be shown live on BTSport.

Well at least that's something!

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
StevenRobertson 11 December, 2017 07:42
Given that the closed doors match is apparently on BT this afternoon, let me go first, and get in before supporters of other clubs, particularly Quins, chime in.

“More atmosphere than normal at Allianz Park”

“See Sarries have same amount of supporters as usual”

Etc etc

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 11 December, 2017 07:58
He perhaps wants to be a little bit careful! If ASM refuses to play it could be they who are facing forfeiture.

Lots of supporters of other clubs - both in England and France - questioning how come Quins game could be played but not Sarries. Evidently it has not occurred to them that the weather has never respected London's geographical boundaries and perversely refuses to deliver homogeneity across the city. That it snowed heavily (and unexpectedly) in north London for several hours pre-match, but not in S.W. Middlesex, is simple fact.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
McSaracens 11 December, 2017 08:13
The Sun rugby reporting.....

EPCR say game behind closed doors. #saracens now say all fans welcome - 5.30pm KO. Clermont say game is too late and they don't want to play. . . . . .



“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Coughie 11 December, 2017 08:17
Clearly the pitch is all-weather, but the stadium and environs are not....


(Sm101)



~ You never knowingly let the facts get in the way of the story. ~

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Coughie 11 December, 2017 08:19
And clearly some of our Supporters are very fair-weather....



~ You never knowingly let the facts get in the way of the story. ~

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Coughie 11 December, 2017 08:20
(Sm101)



~ You never knowingly let the facts get in the way of the story. ~

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Westrock 11 December, 2017 08:22
[www.saracens.com] Supporters with tickets can attend the match!

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
wolfgangvonb77 11 December, 2017 08:23
I don't get why we didn't make provision the night before to ensure the stadium and surrounding area were ready for the conditions. I gotta contact the club to get a refund now but I would have referred to have gone to the game.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Wayoutwest 11 December, 2017 08:29
Nothing on the club twitter account or Facebook.... Quite annoying...

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Westrock 11 December, 2017 08:30
It is now [www.saracens.com]

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 11 December, 2017 08:33
Quite simply, the conditions weren't forecast. Even early Sunday morning there was no forecast of heavy snow for London, just intermittent showers.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 11 December, 2017 08:37
Quote:
Westrock
https://www.saracens.com/news-article/saracens-vs-clermont-update Supporters with tickets can attend the match!

No mention of recompense for the (undoubtedly many) who will not be able to make it.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Neville 11 December, 2017 08:38
For this of us in work, attendance at 5;30 is impossible


Real shame.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Harrow Sarrie 11 December, 2017 08:41
Quote:
RustySword
Quite simply, the conditions weren't forecast. Even early Sunday morning there was no forecast of heavy snow for London, just intermittent showers.

Absolutely. I woke up at about 5am Sunday, no snow to be found. Went back to sleep for a few more hours kip and by 9am there was a thick blanket of snow and the usual transport chaos.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Kevetty 11 December, 2017 08:42
Call me a cynic, however this is the club’s get out not to offer a refund to season ticket holders and those who have purchased tickets for the game!!
Will the car parks be open to the supporters who have car park passes at the local schools?

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Wayoutwest 11 December, 2017 08:48
Will the parking restrictions be in place given that "game day" was yesterday....

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Maroon Tyke 11 December, 2017 08:51
I find all this @#$%& really disappointing. The club are clearly doing their best in the circumstances they find themselves in following yesterday's unexpected events.

"As a club we are battling with the elements to ensure the stadium is a safe environment for fans to watch the game. However, if you are planning to attend, we ask that you check www.saracens.com or one of our Social Media channels regularly throughout the day for updates.

If you have any questions or enquiries, please contact supporterservices@saracens.net"

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
VR1997 11 December, 2017 09:03
Kevetty you are a cynic.

The club are playing the game today with tied hands.

However for all the moaning on 'will we get a refund' etc etc the people we should be feeling sorry for are our friends the supporters of Clermont.

They have no doubt had a horrendous weekend. Expensive flights and hotels. Waiting for information about the game and then having to travel home without seeing it. Airport delays due to the weather. We should wish them a safe journey.

Everybody loses here (except ERC Rugby).

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Le marseillais 11 December, 2017 09:04
Some of our fans sleeping on the ground of Luton airport tonight.
No comment.
[scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net]



ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2017 09:05 by Le marseillais.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
OldMarovian 11 December, 2017 09:24
Well I for one am pleased that Sarries have made an effort to get the match rescheduled asap and that it has been done in such a fashion that those that can make it will be able to attend.

Ofc it is sad for both the home and away supporters who can not make it but I hope to still see a decent turnout to what should be a very good fixture. I am looking forward to it and will make sure I have my water-proofs and snow-shoes before I head off!

COYS let's get our season back on track.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Wayoutwest 11 December, 2017 09:24
Whatever the result can you imagine the welcome we are going to get next weekend....Gulp...

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
#wolfpack 11 December, 2017 09:32
I'm not really sure what else the club could have done in the circumstances.

Still, it's a shame that the game is being played at 5.30 rather than a bit later so that those who work might be able to make it. I imagine there are probably Council restrictions or concerns the ground might freeze over again.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Le marseillais 11 December, 2017 09:34
Quote:
Wayoutwest
Whatever the result can you imagine the welcome we are going to get next weekend....Gulp...
Yes indeed wayoutwest,
People in Clermont are quite angry about the situation, and already talk about the return game...
But it would be an error to be disrespectful with your players or fans.
This is not their fault.
We just think that our club and our suporters have not been respected.



ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
bg 11 December, 2017 09:40
Quote:
David@Sarries
This is absolutely the worst decision ever made!
Who in their right mind thinks that playing one of the games of the tournament behind closed doors is a good idea???

How is this fair to Saracen's players or supporters???

Who's going to make up the club's reven♝ue shortfall?

Ridiculous decision.

Its not exactly fair to Clermont fans either. If they are going to play behind closed doors, or a very small crowd, why couldn't they have done that yesterday? This would have meant the game was played, BT would be happy, the travelling fans wouldn't have wasted a lot of money, and Clermont the team wouldn't have to reschedule this week's plans.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
primavesi 11 December, 2017 09:44
The communication from the club on this has been pretty poor to be honest.

You can´t blame them if the areas around the stadium that they do not have control over were not accessible but the late and conflicting information given out has really not helped.

A nice touch would have been to try to facilitate putting stranded clermont fans in touch with sarries fans to put them up and avoid them having to sleep on airport floors for example. That is the rugby way and i´m sure there would have been willing volunteers.

I can´t imagine more than about 3-4 thousand will be at the game today, so this could be quite a big financial hit to the club.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Wayoutwest 11 December, 2017 09:47
Right...Half day holiday booked so I can make the game.

I will move around the stadium during the game to make it look like a larger attendance....

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Le marseillais 11 December, 2017 09:48
Thank you primavesi, that is exactly our opinion.
You can add the incompetence of the local authorities.



ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2017 09:49 by Le marseillais.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Roger G 11 December, 2017 09:54
To be honest I think the communication from the club, through official channels at least, has been consistent but was unfortunately delayed while all sorts of negotiations with various stakeholders (authorities, EPCR, ASM etc.) were going on. The fact that contradictory, incomplete and ambiguous rumours circulated via unofficial channels is unfortunate, but hardly the club's fault.

I'm as disappointed as anybody that I couldn't attend what may well have been/still be the fixture of the year at AzP, and feel particularly for the ASM fans, but I really don't understand why so many people are "blaming" the club - such weather conditions, particularly with such a sharp geographical boundary between playable/safe and not, are rare, unpredictable and very difficult to plan for.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 11 December, 2017 10:05
Quote:
Le marseillais
Thank you primavesi, that is exactly our opinion.
You can add the incompetence of the local authorities.

How many more times does it have to be said? THE SNOW IN NORTH LONDON WAS NOT FORECAST!!! That is why the roads had not been prepared. Do the authorities in Clermont Ferrand waste money preparing for weather that is not forecast? Somehow I doubt it.

That said, obviously I feel desperately sorry for the travelling Clermont supporters (of whom, I believe, you are not one), they must've had a miserable weekend.

Sympathy with Clermont supporters is not mutually exclusive with sympathy for those Saracens supporters who have paid a lot of money for tickets and now cannot make the game - nor, indeed, for Saracens the club who, as has been said, will take a big financial hit on this for reasons entirely outwith their control.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Barnesy 11 December, 2017 10:06
Game to be shown on BT Sport 1, Announced on their Twitter feed

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
daz_71 11 December, 2017 10:07
Does anyone know if the Shuttle buses will be running? I'm assuming not and I guess Millhill Broadway statiion car park will be full for commuters.

Any suggestions where is best to park? Not sure if I can make it but just looking in tom plans.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Jim 55 11 December, 2017 10:07
Quote:
Wayoutwest
Right...Half day holiday booked so I can make the game.
I will move around the stadium during the game to make it look like a larger attendance....

See you there Jim.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
RustySword 11 December, 2017 10:08
Quote:
bg
Its not exactly fair to Clermont fans either. If they are going to play behind closed doors, or a very small crowd, why couldn't they have done that yesterday? This would have meant the game was played, BT would be happy, the travelling fans wouldn't have wasted a lot of money, and Clermont the team wouldn't have to reschedule this week's plans.

The Grauniad is suggesting that the main issue yesterday was concern that neither squad could get to AzP safely.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
#wolfpack 11 December, 2017 10:08
Quote:
Le marseillais
Quote:
Wayoutwest
Whatever the result can you imagine the welcome we are going to get next weekend....Gulp...
Yes indeed wayoutwest,
People in Clermont are quite angry about the situation, and already talk about the return game...
But it would be an error to be disrespectful with your players or fans.
This is not their fault.
We just think that our club and our suporters have not been respected.


Could you just clarify why this is the current feeling and what should have been done differently?

I think anyone around north London yesterday would understand why the game didn't happen. I can't really see what other option the club had?

I doubt Saracens are desperate to play the marquee fixture of the season in front of 150 people on a Monday afternoon either...

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Seany_Boy0511 11 December, 2017 10:08
Soit's going ahead great, at least it is on TV As like many otherss cann not attend today, ( don't quite live as far as poor friends for Clermont, still too much distance and family commitments/work to be at the game



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2017 10:10 by Seany_Boy0511.

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Westrock 11 December, 2017 10:12
BT Sport 1 as above

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Waldo 11 December, 2017 10:13
There were reports from various sources yesterday that the roads around the stadium were in a terrible state - I expect that may have been a major factor -generally the roads are much better today - at the moment!

You have to feel sympathy for the Claremont fans that traveled- i wonder if any will make the game tonight ?

Alas (unless I've missed it ) we are still missing vital information for those considering attending tonight - are the shuttle buses running ? What are the parking arrangements ?

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Le marseillais 11 December, 2017 10:17
Quote:
#wolfpack
Quote:
Le marseillais
Quote:
Wayoutwest
Whatever the result can you imagine the welcome we are going to get next weekend....Gulp...
Yes indeed wayoutwest,
People in Clermont are quite angry about the situation, and already talk about the return game...
But it would be an error to be disrespectful with your players or fans.
This is not their fault.
We just think that our club and our suporters have not been respected.


Could you just clarify why this is the current feeling and what should have been done differently?

I think anyone around north London yesterday would understand why the game didn't happen. I can't really see what other option the club had?

I doubt Saracens are desperate to play the marquee fixture of the season in front of 150 people on a Monday afternoon either...

I have explained our feeling plenty of times in my different posts since yesterday.
I think it's enough now.
I don't want to be in conflict with anybody here.



ASM Clermont Auvergne supporter

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
Westrock 11 December, 2017 10:22
TFL seems to suggest bus 221 operating ok pick it up from Edgware, Mill Hill Broadway or Mill Hill East

Re: CLERMONT GAME NOW 11/12....
colinmiddx 11 December, 2017 10:24
Quote:
primavesi
The communication from the club on this has been pretty poor to be honest.
You can´t blame them if the areas around the stadium that they do not have control over were not accessible but the late and conflicting information given out has really not helped.

A nice touch would have been to try to facilitate putting stranded clermont fans in touch with sarries fans to put them up and avoid them having to sleep on airport floors for example. That is the rugby way and i´m sure there would have been willing volunteers.

I can´t imagine more than about 3-4 thousand will be at the game today, so this could be quite a big financial hit to the club.

I'm not aware of conflicting information from the club, There were other helpful people publishing what they heard. Also did the club know f problems with the flight, did anyone contact them or the SSA.

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