Rennes have released a second statement after their Europa Conference League fixture with Tottenham was postponed.
Spurs have been forced to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak ripping through the squad over the course of this week, which can be dated back to the weekend.
A total of eight first-team players and five members of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff were said to have tested positive with the number growing each day, which led the Italian to express his fear for the health of individuals involved and their families.
The club released a statement on the situation on Wednesday evening, highlighting the European encounter with Rennes would not be held after engaging in talks with governing body UEFA.
However, the French outfit refuted Spurs’ announcement after having flown to London and hit out at the N17 side for making the decision not to play of their own accord.
Rennes, who have since returned to France, have released a further statement requesting the rescheduling of the fixture will not be placed during the club’s winter break which is set for December 22 beyond.
It read: “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.
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“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. The group is now focusing on welcoming Nice on Sunday at Roazhon Park.
“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.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Schedulers are going to have a tough time fitting this fixture in before the new year, with Spurs having to carry on through the infamously hectic festive period. Unless UEFA give more leeway for the fixture beyond the new year or a forfeit on the cards, it’s hard to see how this will be played in time.
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