It is not necessarily a surprise as such for the team (following Jan's injury), but I feel it is for the organisers.
However you look at it we must have a pre-season as we look to get in shape for our start in the EPL and unfortunately we do get injuries. So I do not know whether pulling out is the right thing to do.
However we are hearing that the weather in Hong Kong is getting worse and this is the real reason that AVB wishes to pull out. Whether there are consequences I am not sure, but there will be some angry people out there. I think I agree if it's purely based on the weather.
Here is what AVB had to say:
I’d prefer not to go ahead. That’s the reality we have to face,' Villas-Boas said.
'We have to be professional and stand up for this tournament. It’s our responsibility if the authorities go ahead and play the game.
'Player safety is much more important than a pre-season game.
'To avoid injuries in situations like this, the pitch isn’t in a great condition.
'It’s going to be extremely poor conditions and the final will be even worse.'
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