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Edinburgh statement: Stadium emergency results in abandoned match
By Liam Heagney
Edinburgh have issued a statement after “an emergency situation inside the stadium” resulted in the abandonment of their home pre-season friendly versus London Scottish. The visitors were leading 34-26 when a recorded announcement over the DAM Health Stadium PA system resulted in supporters quickly exiting and congregating in an adjacent car park.
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After the health and safety emergency was over, it was decided not to restart the match in Edinburgh which had six minutes still left to play. It meant that the result stood and Scottish were awarded an eight-point win.
In the statement, Edinburgh managing director Douglas Struth said: “A stadium fire alarm was triggered accidentally by a member of the public in the Lothian Stand. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended the ground and no fire was identified. We’re pleased to report no one was hurt.
“We would once again like to thank supporters for their patience and understanding, as well as for the safe and orderly manner in which they left DAM Health Stadium tonight. Our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.”
Edinburgh coach Mike Blair didn’t quibble with the decision not to restart the match which had been paused in the 74th minute. He told local media: “Decisions have to be made with respect to the welfare of the players and how long it is going to get things organised to restart. Both sides just felt it was the right decision.”
Tonight's match has been abandoned on health and safety grounds.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused, thank fans for their patience and wish all supporters a safe journey home.
The match ends 26-34. pic.twitter.com/bQTk8vkINx
— Edinburgh Rugby (@EdinburghRugby) September 2, 2022
While Blair won’t be happy that his team conceded six tries against an opposition that finished in last place in last season’s English Championship, one encouraging aspect was that Jamie Ritchie played the first 30 minutes of the pre-season friendly. That was his first action since he ruptured his hamstring when playing for Scotland in their February 5 Guinness Six Nations win over England.
