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'Whatever happens, this will remain an episode of amateurism' - Clermont react to rescheduled Saracens match

Clermont are highly frustrated with the EPRC's fixture rescheduling  - AFP
Clermont are highly frustrated with the EPRC's fixture rescheduling - AFP

Clermont have released a statement outlining their immense frustration at the merry-go-round that has finally seen their Champions Cup pool match against Saracens at Allianz Park rescheduled for 5.30pm this evening.

The reigning Top 14 champions have also suggested that the meeting between last season's finalists in this tournament has descended into an "episode of amateurism that can sometimes be shown in our sport".

Clermont revealed that they were contacted by a member of staff from the EPRC at 5pm yesterday evening, who said that the match would be moved to 2pm today.

However, at 11pm, they were informed that 5.30pm would be their new kick-off time.

These "contradictions" have caused knock-on issues, the statement reads, ranging from the players' nutrition planning to their travelling supporters having to sleep on the floor of hotels because of a lack of available rooms.

Clermont believe the entire situation has seen their fans treated as "vulgar toys". Saracens and the local authorities are directly addressed in the statement's conclusion:

"In this story, the club [Clermont] has never been invited to the negotiating table and has had to adapt to the incompetence of the public authorities and Saracens to organise this major sporting event."

The pool two fixture was the only European match to fall foul of the weather and was called off late on Sunday morning following health and safety concerns over access for spectators as well as issues within the stadium. 

An unprecedented turn of events saw transport systems paralysed in north London. The all-weather pitch was immaterial by off-field considerations. 

Saracens beat Clermont 28-17 in last season's decider at Twickenham in May thanks to tries from Chris Ashton, George Kruis and Alex Goode. The teams are poised to meet again at Stade Marcel-Michelin in the second installment of this double-header on Saturday.