Ulster's home Champions Cup clash with reigning champions La Rochelle has been moved at the 11th hour to Dublin and will be played behind closed doors with the RDS the expected venue.
The province has been informed by tournament organisers EPCR this evening that tomorrow’s televised fixture on BT Sport (5.30pm) cannot be played at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast due to concerns over the safety of the playing surface.
Ulster CEO Johnny Petrie said on Thursday that the club was working around the clock on the frozen pitch.
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There was optimism today that the province could host the tie and, when the teams were named at noon, Ulster were confident that Kingspan Stadium would be in operation.
Instead, it now seems certain that the RDS Arena, which is hosting tonight's encounter between Leinster and Gloucester, will host the tie but there will be no Ulster supporters allowed into the ground to cheer on Dan McFarland's side with arrangements for stewarding, staff and security impossible at such late notice.
Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle flew into Belfast earlier this afternoon and will, like Ulster, be disrupted by the late change of venue, while Ulster supporters have expressed anger online at the state of affairs.
Petrie tweeted: "This story was on the news before we had been informed of any decision about tomorrow’s game.
"We’ll be making official comment and update very shortly. Please understand that this is extremely difficult just now."
In a statement released later, Ulster said: "Regrettably, because of issues with logistics, as well as concerns regarding health and safety due to the timing of the venue change, the match will be staged behind closed doors with no access for supporters.
"Following close consultation between Ulster Rugby and EPCR in recent days, and despite the efforts of Kingspan Stadium ground staff, the decision was taken to move the fixture as Kingspan Stadium's playing surface were deemed unsafe due to the freezing conditions in Belfast.
"Live television coverage will be as scheduled on BT Sport, SuperSport and FloRugby, and EPCR would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding and co-operation."
That has not satisfied some fans who have been left out of pocket due to the eleventh-hour decision and with no chance to attend the game.
"Disgusting decision yet again from EPCR forcing Ulster to play at a neutral ground thus losing home advantage but of course it suits EPCR to preserve TV broadcasting revenues. Massive financial impact to Ulster who will now have to refund Season Ticket holders," said @ardsblack9 on Twitter. "And of course all other Ulster Supporters who bought tickets for tonight’s game. Can you confirm that the return leg at La Rochelle in January will also be played at a neutral venue, neutral country behind closed doors too?….so no advantage given."
Harry Doyle added: "This is unacceptable. I've a cousin who has travelled from Germany this morning to watch Ulster for the first time at the Kingspan. Disappointed is an understatement. Surely we've known all week that the game in Dublin would be behind closed doors?"
Another fan @lofty7364 replied to the news from Ulster Rugby on Twitter by saying: "Refuse to play, disgrace. Thank goodness I didn't renew my season ticket this season, will not be back."
Fred Sharkey added: "A bit of a farce isn’t the right word, why wasn’t contingency plans put in place ? I Really feel bad for those that have spent money to travel to support their team only to now watch them play on the tv instead."
Colin King remarked: "Absolutely ridiculous we find out at 7pm the night before the game that’s it’s gone to Dublin. A lot going wrong at Ulster Rugby I’m afraid… both on and off the pitch."
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