Ball – Azores controversy: Sporting did not play against Fonte do Bastardo (volleyball)

Sporting refused to play the third match of the “play-off” against Fonte do Bastardo, in Praia da Vitória, on Sunday afternoon.

Alvalade Club claims that eight players developed widespread food poisoning at the hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, from Friday to Saturday. Only three athletes did not develop symptoms.

According to coach Joao Coelho, there were several members of the courtiers (including himself) who were affected by poisoning, which is why they developed vomiting and diarrhea. Sporting tried to postpone the match to a later date, after a conversation with the Fonte do Bastardo Board, 45 minutes before the match, but after a meeting between the Azorean Board and other managers and athletes, there was no consensus as the Island players wanted to. to play today.

“Fonte do Bastardo missed a great opportunity to show that it strives for difference, to do to others what it would not like to be done to others,” said Joao Coelho.

“I understand Sporting’s situation, but I also understand my players, who have already gone through many setbacks this season. It’s an ungrateful situation and no one benefits from it,” declared Nuno Abrantes.

Even weakened, some Lyon athletes wanted to go to the game, but the club doctor advised against it at all. The hot potato is now in the hands of the federation, which will either dictate the defeat of Sporting for not showing up or will indicate a date for this match.

Sporting statement:

We inform you that the men’s volleyball team of the Sporting Clube de Portugal had to go to the emergency services on the island of Terceira, in the Azores, due to symptoms suggestive of mass food poisoning.

Because of this situation, it was impossible for the club to attend today’s match against AJ Fonte do Bastardo.

Faced with this situation, Sporting Lisbon club requested the postponement of the third match of the semi-final round of the Spanish League qualifiers, but AJ Fonte do Bastardo did not comply with the request.

At this time, the match initially scheduled for 16:00 (local time in mainland Portugal and Madeira) on Sunday has been canceled and Sporting CP has already asked to reschedule the meeting, appealing to the understanding of the Portuguese Volleyball Federation, given the nature of the situation.

Fonte do Bastardo’s statement:

Today’s match was not played due to the absence of Sporting Club de Portugal

Our team will play again against Sporting CP on April 1st, in Lisbon, the fourth match of the Liga Una Seguros Elite Qualifiers.