Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos have both issued statements in response to the RFL’s decision to play Saturday’s match behind closed doors.
The Rhinos have said they have welcomed the decision. The French government had announced it had banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people on Sunday.
Leeds Rhinos say they welcome the decision to play Saturday’s game behind closed doors. Credit: News Images
They say: “As a club, we fully accept that this is an incredibly difficult, unprecedented situation and our sympathies are with Catalans Dragons, who have been impacted by the current ban of large crowds gathering in France.
“No fans of either team will be permitted to enter the stadium at Saturday’s game.
“Along with Super League and the RFL, we have been in discussions with Catalans Dragons for a number of days to find a resolution that will enable the game to be played.
“Leeds Rhinos will take all necessary pre-cautions, as set down by Public Health England, throughout the duration of their trip to Perpignan.”
In contrast, Dragons chairman Bernard Gausch has said he looked for alternatives, including switching the fixture and postponing it all together.
Catalans Dragons say playing behind closed doors was a last resort. Credit: News Images
He said: “Following the unprecedented decision of the French Minister of Sports, the Dragons’ choice was to switch the fixtures.
“Unfortunately, the Leeds Rhinos club did not accept our request.
“We then proposed to postpone the match and to play it later in the season, midweek or weekend depending on the Cup results of each club.
“We even offered a financial compensation to Leeds club for their additional travelling costs.
“Remember that we were in the same situation a month ago in Wakefield without solution or possible compensation for the cancelled game due to bad weather.
“To date, we are still waiting for Wakefield and the RFL to reschedule this match.
“Unfortunately the RFL, the Leeds Rhinos and the RFL Board did not hear our reasons, even after appealing the decision, and told us to play the game as scheduled.
“We strongly regret this decision which will hugely impact the finances of the club with revenues already anticipated in our annual budget.
“Unable to find a solution to choose only 1,000 supporters from our 5,500 season ticket holders and sponsors, the club has chosen to play behind closed doors.”
