Ulster match off but fans in Amsterdam 'resilient' after fixture drama
An Ulster Rugby fan has spoken of his disappointment after his plans to watch the province in Amsterdam were banished by the cold conditions in the Dutch capital.
Ulster had been due to face the Toyota Cheetahs in a EPCR Challenge Cup fixture at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam on Sunday.
However, following inspections after severe weather conditions, governing body European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) decided that the game would be staged at Dukes Rugby in 's-Hertogenbosch at the earlier time of 1pm UK time – the original start time was 3:15pm.
With the game now switched to the south of the country, the news was to get even worse for supporters as it was then decided to be played behind-closed-doors, leaving Ulster fans who travelled missing out altogether.
The drama didn’t stop there as despite the pitch passing an inspection at 11am UK time, the game was then postponed just 40 minutes before kick-off after the surface was deemed unplayable.
One of those who made his way to Amsterdam was Ian Frizzell and whilst he understood the weather was always going to be problem, he believes Ulster fans should have been treated better by the EPCR.
Speaking to the News Letter from the Netherlands, Ballymoney man Ian, said: “I’m massively disappointed but this isn’t the first time it’s happened to me. I remember games being called off in Brussels due to the snow and then in Paris after the bombings.
"I obviously made my arrangements to go over and I was excited for the game. We all knew the weather conditions weren’t the best but I never expected the fixture to be moved so far away and then be behind-closed-doors. But it is what is and then obviously it’s been postponed, so I wouldn’t have seen anything anyway.
"The weather in Amsterdam is -8°C so there’s certainly a chill and all the rugby pitches in Amsterdam have been closed. I’ve met one or two Ulster fans in the city and they are disappointed with it all. However, we’re a resilient bunch and if there’s a glass nearby, they won’t be too concerned.
"I don’t think the EPCR have given a thought to the travelling fans as they just wanted the game to be played and that’s why they wanted it played in 's-Hertogenbosch.”
Rugby Netherland have confirmed fans will receive a refund for their tickets – minus the admin fee.
Ian, who has been a season ticket holder at Ulster for more than 25 years, doesn’t pin any blame on anyone at Ulster for the travelling chaos but wants the club to be firm on their stance to the governing body.
He explained: “What can Ulster really do in this scenario? Offer a free pint and burger to those who travelled over? I don’t see that being an option.
"I want Ulster to make the point that fans can’t be treated shabbily as the decision for the game to be moved miles away left fans out to dry."
In a statement on X, Ulster Rugby said: “Following a pitch inspection by the Toyota Cheetahs v Ulster Rugby match day referee Kevin Bralley, his decision is that the pitch is unplayable. His recommendation to EPCR, Toyota Cheetahs and Ulster Rugby is that the pitch at Dukes Rugby is not safe for today’s fixture to take place as scheduled at 1400 local time.
The match is thus postponed until further notice. EPCR will convene its Board Crisis Management Group to consider next steps.”