In a week full of drama for Ulster fans, the drama continued at the Aviva Stadium in a 29-36 defeat to La Rochelle.
Their Champions Cup hopes were at risk after a heavy defeat away to Sale last weekend, and faced Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle side, who won the trophy last season.
While Ulster will look back on today's game, particuraly the first-half, with regret, there was anger before the game even started.
It was announced on Friday that due to the recent snow and ice weather conditions, Kingspan Stadium was deemed unplayable for today's game.
As a result, the game was moved to the Aviva Stadium behind closed doors. This was a massive loss for Ulster, as they missed out on revenue and home advantage in a vital European fixture.
If that wasn't disappointing enough, the notable admission of La Rochelle fans into the Aviva Stadium certainly didn't sit well.
While it was only a small amount, La Rochelle fans made their voice heard while Ulster fans watched the game from home.
Why are la rochelle fans in the aviva when this is behind closed doors? Ulster fans shafted!
— David Conlon (@DaveyConlon) December 17, 2022
La Rochelle fans allowed into the Aviva but ulster fans not??
What the hell @ChampionsCup #ULSvLAR #ULSvSR— The Champ Champs (@GifsRugbyNStuff) December 17, 2022
#ULSvLAR have to feel for #ulsterrugby supporters..not sure why they weren't allowed travel to Dublin particularly when there are la rochelle fans there
— Cal-Madra 🇮🇪 🇪🇺🇦🇲 🇺🇦 (@callythelurcher) December 17, 2022
Gotta feel sorry for Ulster the last couple of weekends, but they still have to man up when circumstances work against them, which they haven't. Also a scandal the @ChampionsCup have allowed these La Rochelle fans in to the stadium. #ulsvlar
— The Great Bonobo (@TheGreatBonobo) December 17, 2022
@championscup #UlsterLaRochelle Pitch unplayable normally means match postponed, not moved down the road. Behind closed doors normally means what it says. No home support for Ulster home game. How come La Rochelle have fans in? Fair play? #SUFTUM
— George Hamilton (@HamiltonRTE) December 17, 2022
Ulster not allowed fans, La Rochelle are... ROG influencing the game despite serving a ban... this game providing material for the @frenchrugbypod.
— Eric Jones (@EJones80) December 17, 2022
As fans questioned why there was La Rochelle fans there, the Ulster CEO Jonny Petrie clarified that the fans were named as an 'official delegation', which was allowed by the EPCR.
In case people wonder when watching the match, there is a large official delegation from the La Rochelle club attending, agreed by EPCR. Not as a result of us.
— Jonny Petrie (@JP_Petrie) December 17, 2022
While fans are not going to pass up the opportunity to attend the game, especially travelling all the way from France, it has been a mess of a situation.
An empty stadium for a situation that many people could have seen coming, with Ronan O'Gara roaming around the Aviva Stadium at free will isn't a good look for anyone.
Ulster Comeback Falls Short
As for the game itself, Ulster can be proud of their second half fightback as they claimed two bonus points in what seemed unlikely at half-time.
A combination of La Rochelle class and Ulster mistakes saw the French side go into the interval with a 29-0 lead. Brice Dulin scored the pick of the tries in a clinical half.
Antoine Hastoy is pulling the strings here ✨
The La Rochelle fly half puts in a perfect kick for Brice Dulin to get on the end of.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/7CpLlvLdrc— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 17, 2022
However, Ulster came out in the second half a new side, with tries from Iain Henderson, John Cooney, Tom Stewart and Duane Vermeulen dragging Ulster back into the game.
That's more like it from @UlsterRugby 👏
Stuart McCloskey spots Duane Vermeulen on the wing and the South African is able to apply the crucial touch.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/FikDWn5ymw— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 17, 2022
Cooney's penalty gave Ulster two losing bonus points with the last kick of the game, in what could prove to be crucial in the final standings.
SEE ALSO: Jamie Heaslip Blames Confusing Champions Cup Format For Weak Gloucester Side
