The Spurs v Rennes outcome & Morecombe FA Cup dates.
The game against Rennes, which we postponed because of COVID, will not be rescheduled.
As you all know, the club had announced (on Wednesday) that the game against Rennes could not take place following 13 coronavirus cases at the club. Because of the cancellation, Tottenham tried to reschedule and Rennes, as I believe it, put obstacles in the way, so UEFA stepped in and said that there would be no show. In response, Rennes criticised Tottenham for making a “unilateral decision”.
The game’s result will now be decided by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body.
European football’s governing body said: “Uefa, in cooperation with the two clubs, tried to find a viable solution in order to reschedule the match. Unfortunately, a solution that could work for both clubs could not be found despite all efforts. As a consequence, the match can no longer be played.”
The fixture was Rennes’ and our final game in Group G, which must be completed by December 31st. The French club have already reached the last 16 as group winners, while we are third – three points behind Vitesse. The group runners-up will secure a spot in a play-off for the last 16.
Under UEFA rules, if clubs have 13 fit players on their A list, including a goalkeeper, they must play. Eight of our players and five members of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The Rennes game wasn’t the only one hit because of the pandemic, our game against Brighton in the Premier League (which was supposed to be played on Sunday) was also affected. And there are doubts over Leicester’s away game this Thursday (16th).
We are scheduled to host Liverpool on December 19th, then play a home EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham on December 22nd. On December 26th, we have a home game against Crystal Palace and then travel to Southampton on December 28th. After all that, the transfer window opens, and hopefully, we will get some late Christmas presents.
My thoughts
Because of shenanigans by Rennes (not wanting specific dates that Tottenham offered), both sides could now forfeit the game, or another option is that the game goes ahead. Both options are still on the table, but UEFA will decide. However, UEFA’s disciplinary body could set aside the December 31st deadline for the match to go ahead and the group stage to be completed.
On top of all that, there could be an assessment of our decision to call the game off and whether Rennes should be more flexible in agreeing to a rearranged date.
The club are adamant they wanted to play the game on a rescheduled date. If we forfeit the game, we are out. On the other hand, if Rennes forfeited, it would put us into the play-off and knock Vitesse out. So, let us hope the last option is favourable.
As for Vitesse, well, they have already stated their infuriation at having to play their final group game out of sync with us, given both teams were trying to reach the next stage.
If we are knocked out of the competition because of a UEFA ruling, I don’t think it would be a great disaster. Conte needs to buy and strengthen the team, and extra games can get in the way. The Europa Conference League is a Micky Mouse tournament and isn’t as crucial as a top-four place or fighting for the FA Cup or even the League trophy. Whatever happens, it is what it is, but not a great disaster if we are out.
FA Cup dates with Morecambe.
The club have now confirmed that our FA Cup third-round tie against Morecambe will be held on Sunday, January 9th, 2022.
This match has not been selected for live television coverage in the UK but could be picked up by overseas television broadcasters.
Last season we made it to the fifth round under Jose Mourinho, where we lost 5-4 to Everton at Goodison Park after extra time.
The last time we won the FA cup was in 1991 – I was there – and Terry Venables was in charge of the team, while Alan Sugar ran the club. We beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at Wembley courtesy of a Paul Stewart goal and Des Walker putting through his own net.
So that is that. Out of one competition (possibly), but still in the FA Cup and League Cup (where we will face the spammers in a week or so). Of course, there is a mathematical possibility that we could win the league, and at the same time, I win millions in the lottery… what are the odds for getting both? I know, more chance of pigs flying… but as I say, Arsenal does it all the time.
All the best, Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1960s (the season of the double). In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London. I currently live in Berkshire.
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I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
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I hope we get the opportunity to play the Rennes match. As one of the few supporters who travelled away in the EUFA Conference as well as attending all the home matches, I feel I have invested in the competition. It’s unfair on supporters who have stumped up hard earned dough to be dumped out of a competition unfairly. There is a pandemic on for Christs sake!!
As usual your blog is an interesting read with a unique style Glenn. It perked me up after watching Man Utd scrape yet another lucky 1-0 win via a late penalty in a match where they were so crap I thought I was watching the 60+ walking football league. Thank you Glenn.
Thanks Mel for your kind words. And agree with you. Hopefully they will continue with the competition. Take care, Glenn