History repeats itself between FC Bassin d'Arcachon and Aviron Bayonnais, respectively 4th and 2nd in Pool A of N3. After a first match in Gironde stopped at the end of the first half a fortnight ago, the blue and white club was informed on Friday at 9 p.m. of the new postponement of this same meeting, scheduled “initially” for this Saturday at 6 p.m.
A new cancellation, again due to weather conditions, incomprehensible for Bayonne coach Alain Pochat. The coach maintains that the match could have been played on the synthetic relief pitch chosen by the Bassin d'Arcachon, after the municipal decree condemning the main pitch was issued. Sky and white staff and players, who would have gone on vacation earlier without this canceled postponement, say they are “very upset”.
How did you learn of the cancellation of this postponement?
Alain Pochat. We had felt the “potato” coming because we had heard reports that some Arcachon residents had already gone on vacation. At 3 p.m., the municipality issued an order prohibiting the main field, but we knew that there was a synthetic fallback in Gujan-Mestras
There were email exchanges between the two presidents, those from the Basin explained that it was complicated for them because they had to stop the refreshment bar and other things, but these are pretexts. Finally, the federation made the decision to postpone the match. I don't understand the meaning of this decision. It's disrespectful, it already was the first time. They had us come when there was a storm warning and strong winds. We had moved, there were gusts of 120 km/h, we had done a half against the wind, before stopping. For an empty trip, in the end.
What pretexts are you talking about?
You have to call a spade a spade: it's nonsense. I think Arcachon was missing a few players, that suited them. We had the webcam, the sun was shining and there hadn't been a match on the pitch for two weeks.
How did your players receive the news?
The players were very, very angry. I understand them. We are too. We could have been off last week. We had a week to cut and one to resume before the 30th. Some postponed the plane tickets, including Lamine Fall who had to return to see his family in Senegal. Everyone needed this break because we've been on deck for a while.
Do you have any information on the new postponement date?
No. The email was very terse. “Urgent” was written everywhere. The commission will keep us informed. The next free date for postponement is January 4. It would be the height and scandal to do this three days after New Year's Eve when we already had a shortened vacation. The other date is February 2, but Arcachon must play at Canet…
