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Edinburgh statement: Stadium emergency results in abandoned match

(Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)

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.”

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.

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C
CO 33 minutes ago
Forget Ireland, the All Blacks face the real alpha of Europe next

I cannot believe that you don't think the French rugby team coach and captain are not discussing putting Jalibert on the bench in favour of Duponts club teammate that doesn't even play at 10.


This is a terrible, massive insult to a 10 and I'm sure Dupont would also be very enraged if benched for a player that doesn't even play halfback.


A good captain would've insisted to the coach that it was an idea of madness and either select Jalibert or replace him with another 10 if you want him to be reserve.


Jalibert may not be the world's finest tacklers but that's often not a tens main strength that the loose forwards and second five cover. An intercept pass is never great but they happen.


When any player is playing for his club then it's club first, respect doesn't need to be shown to opposition players simply because they're internationals.


Who exactly are you claiming Jalibert hasn't respected? If it's Toulouse international players then it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this bench demotion out.


The outcome of selecting Jalibert to the bench and he then throwing his croissants out the window of the team bus immediately prior to playing the Allblacks is a disaster that will be team disharmony as any team mates of Jalibert are in a state of anger and revolt so a performance that will be sub optimal against a team that is thirsting for revenge against France.


I don't know about you but the Allblacks are very upset they've lost twice in a row to France and want to put out a statement performance so this preparation by Galthie of creating havoc looks to me like a coach that is clueless.

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