Tottenham’s Pre-Season Friendly Against Leicester Cancelled Due to Heavy Rain in Bangkok
Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season friendly against Leicester City has been cancelled after heavy rain in Bangkok left the pitch waterlogged. The game, which was part of Tottenham’s Asia-Pacific tour, was scheduled to kick off at the Rajamangala Stadium. However, after several pitch inspections following a downpour, the surface was deemed “unplayable and unsafe.”
In a statement, Tottenham said, “Tonight’s friendly against Leicester City has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch and adverse weather conditions. The event organizers, based on a recommendation from the match officials, deemed the pitch at the Rajamangala National Stadium unplayable and unsafe following heavy rainfall in Bangkok.”
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment and thanked the traveling fans for their support. He said, “We are disappointed that the game had to be cancelled, but player safety is our top priority. We appreciate the support of our fans who made the trip to Thailand.”
Players had come out to warm up after the rain appeared to relent, but Tottenham confirmed around 40 minutes after kick-off that the match would not go ahead. Postecoglou had made four changes to the side that lost 3-2 to West Ham in Perth before news of the postponement finally came.
Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Son Heung-min had all been named in the starting line-up against recently-relegated Leicester. However, due to the cancellation, they will have to wait for their next opportunity to showcase their skills on the field.
Despite the disappointment, Tottenham will now focus on their next pre-season fixture. They will fly to Singapore on Sunday evening for a game against Lion City Sailors on July 26. This match will provide another opportunity for the team to fine-tune their tactics and build chemistry ahead of the upcoming season.
Pre-season friendlies are crucial for teams to assess their squad’s fitness levels, test new tactics, and give players valuable game time. Unfortunately, unpredictable weather conditions can sometimes disrupt these plans. However, it is important for the safety of the players that matches are not played on waterlogged or unsafe pitches.
The cancellation of the Tottenham-Leicester friendly highlights the challenges that teams face when organizing pre-season tours in unfamiliar locations. While these tours provide an opportunity for clubs to expand their fan base and promote their brand globally, they also come with logistical challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions.
Tottenham’s Asia-Pacific tour is an important part of their pre-season preparations. It allows them to connect with fans in the region and build excitement ahead of the new season. The cancellation of the match in Bangkok is undoubtedly disappointing for both the club and the fans who were looking forward to seeing their favorite players in action.
However, Tottenham will now shift their focus to the upcoming match against Lion City Sailors in Singapore. This fixture will provide another opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and continue building momentum ahead of the new season.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season friendly against Leicester City has been cancelled due to heavy rain in Bangkok. The waterlogged pitch was deemed “unplayable and unsafe,” leading to the decision to cancel the match. While disappointing, player safety is always a top priority, and it is essential to avoid playing on unsafe surfaces. Tottenham will now look ahead to their next pre-season fixture in Singapore as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.