HC Liceo misses the Continental Cup game

As anticipated by internet media these 2 last days, the team of HC Liceo, from Coruña, Spain (winner of European League), missed the game of the Continental Cup against SL Benfica (winner of CERS Cup). This is the first time this type of situation occurs in rink-hockey major competitions.

Team of SL Benfica, referees and official dignities, as well as some hundreds of supporters and media, appeared in Pavilion of Viana do Castelo, but the game was not played because of the missing of the team of HC Liceo.

According to disciplinary regulations, HC Liceo has now 48 hours to justify the missing of the game.

If HC Liceo has no reasonable justification for the situation, this is an unacceptable and very sad situation for roller hockey, with potential bad consequences for the sport. Even if HC Liceo owns all the reason (what is not demonstrated yet), the club should present the team for the game, to dispute it, even if under protest. Or to inform CERH 15 days before (see disciplinary regulations) that they would not play the game. For the good of sport, this would be a potentially aceptable position. With this behavior, HC Liceo risks to loose any reason that could eventually assist. Providing a detrimental and unexpected contribution for rink-hockey image and progress.