AN Ireland rugby fan who travelled to France for the Six Nations clash on Saturday night was told the game had been cancelled in a text message from friends back in Northern Ireland.
The match was called off 10 minutes before kick-off because of freezing weather at the Stade de France in Paris.
However, George Nelson from Belfast said fans in the stadium were only informed of the decision to call off the game at 9.05pm, around 15 minutes after television viewers were made aware of the cancellation.
“It was very disappointing and I think the whole thing could have been handled much better,” said Mr Nelson, who travelled back to the Province with a group of friends last night.
“The first that we heard the game had been called off was when we started getting text messages from back home.
“We knew it was uncertain if the game would be played, but we couldn’t believe that people at home knew it was called off before we did.”
Mr Nelson added: “It’s one of those things – the pitch was too hard, but it is very hard to understand how a new stadium did not have any underground heating.
“The French fans were very annoyed as well, they had travelled from all over the country for the game.
“It was a great weekend, but the cancellation left us all a bit deflated. We’ll have to see if we can get a refund on the tickets which cost £75 each.”
The stadium announcer was drowned out by the booing when he informed the crowd the match referee had called off the game because of the sub-zero temperatures.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney said he agreed with the decision.
“One particular corner of the pitch was dangerous to play on, so the referee took the right decision,” he said.
“The players were pumped up for it in the dressing room as the protocol of this competition demands that you prepare fully for the game.
“The boys were ready to go but sometimes you have to let your head rule your heart.”
Six Nations officials confirmed that the match will now be staged during one of the tournament’s break weekends – February 18-19 or March 3-4.