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Didier Deschamps Puzzled By Marseille-Paris Saint-Germain Call Off

The decision to postpone Ligue 1's most hotly-anticipated fixture is not one that had the agreement of 'DD'...

Oct 26, 2009 9:28:01 AM

Ligue 1 : Didier Deschamps (Olympique de Marseille)

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Ligue 1 : Didier Deschamps (Olympique de Marseille)

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Didier Deschamps

Olympique de Marseille head coach Didier Deschamps is somewhat confused by the reasons of the Ligue de Football Professionel (LFP) for calling off Sunday night’s proposed encounter between his side and Paris Saint-Germain.

It was confirmed on Saturday that two PSG players – Ludovic Giuly and Mamadou Sakho - had swine flu. Medical experts apparently decided that there was a significant risk of the virus spreading, and the game was consequently postponed around lunchtime. Later on in the day, it was announced that two further players had the virus.

“If it had been on our side, maybe it would have been played,” Deschamps stated to the media, seemingly hinting at bias towards the capital club.

“This interpretation has been taken regarding the number of people affected and not the risks. We had taken all precautions. Grenoble played with two ill players [against Nancy on Saturday].

“Some people have flu all the time, we’ve demonised the H1N1 strain. I don’t want to play it down, but people die from flu every year. Here there is a danger that is apparently important. I’m not saying that the decision is harsh on our side but it's hard to understand.

“There was an ultra-fast examination last night and the results came out at 12:30 [on Sunday].”

Deschamps is clearly displeased by the manner in which his side were denied the opportunity to meet an under-strength PSG. No date has yet been set for the rescheduled fixture.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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