The day after the canceled Coupe de France match between Tours FC and FC Lorient, for security reasons, the Touraine captain and coach were indignant. The club promises to shed light on this fiasco.
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“We are dejected, this event was a gift“. The day after the cancellation of the match between Tours FC and FC Lorient, counting for the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France, the captain Léo Schwechlen does not hide his disappointment. “Lots of anger and frustration” also for the coachBryan Bergougnoux.
The announcement, a few hours before kick-off, Saturday December 21, had the effect of a bombshell: “Some players cried. Players had family who were crossing France to come see them playr”.
For many, a match against pros is once in their life, their career.
Léo Schwechlen, captain of the Tours FC team
The reason given: Insufficient security on the part of the club to accommodate 8,000 people at the Vallée du Cher stadium. “I knew straight away that it wasn't a joke, I heard about the problems the day before. It only confirmed my fear” explains coach Bryan Bergougnoux. “We don't have all the ins and outs” he continues.
We are all dejected, all the players, the staff, it is a disaster for us. We have hatred.
Léo Schwechlen, captain of the Tours FC team
In a press release, the management of Tours FC assures: “We measure how much this match was essential for everyone and the state of dissatisfaction that is yours“.
“We can simply inform you that we have entered into a contract with a private security company.” then explains Ivan Desmet, owner of the club. “All funds were ordered by transfer before the meeting as required by the service provider“.
We will later shed light on what was missing to organize this match.
Ivan Desmet, club owner
“There may be co-responsibility with the security company, but I told them that it demonstrates gaps within us that will have to be filled, otherwise it's the end of the club.” estimated Bryan Bergougnoux.
After the shock, there remain two options: a victory on the green carpet in Lorient, or a postponed match. It is the French Football Federation which will have to make its decision. “We have no illusions. Lorient had moved. I don't see how the Federation could reorganize the match” laments Léo Schwechlen. Time is also running out in the competition. “The round of 16 is also coming very quickly so it would be very difficult to organize a new match” underlines the player.
All forces are at work so that the company has a sustainable future, so that the club returns to footballing heights shortly.
Ivan Desmet, owner of Tours FC
Tours FC indicates that it will communicate, following the decision of its federation, on possible refunds of places purchased by supporters.
