Clarity needed now more than ever
Credit:
Another great weekend of football on the pitch in the LOI has seen goal fests at most grounds around the country with Finn Park in Donegal the only place the fans failed to see any goals scored. That was down more to the heroics of Gabrial Sava in the Monaghan goal rather than the lack of attacking flair being displayed by Finn Harps and Monaghan United.
The premier division produced 24 goals while the first division rowed in with 18 ensuring LOI supporters across the country got good value and excitement last weekend. Throw in the six goals Rovers produced in the FAI cup replay against UCD and it would look like we have never had it so good in terms of exciting attacking play from all our league clubs.
I was fortunate enough to be at one of these goal fests when I attended the promotion clash between Cork City and Limerick FC - a match that finished three-all but in reality the poor defending displayed by both teams meant it could have been so much more. Once again Jim McKell, the referee, awarded a penalty that was quite simply not a penalty. I have seen this referee do something similar when cork played Monaghan United but the intervention on the night by the 4th official saved Mr. Mckells’ blushes. Unfortunately for Limerick there was no such saviour last week and only when the season reaches its conclusion will Limerick know how much this poor decision will affect their league standing.
The expulsion of Sheriff YC from the FAI cup was unfortunate to say the least. It is always difficult for players and managers to accept punishment for reasons beyond their control. The administrative error will cost Sherriff thousands of Euros as a club but will deny their heroic players and coaching staff the opportunity to display their courage and skill in the Q finals. That is the greater travesty here.
The decision to put Limerick FC straight into the FAI cup semi-finals is a strange one to say the least. But you know what? I have enjoyed what our clubs have been doing on the pitch so rather than look to criticize our League management committee, let’s see how they resolve the appeal brought by Shelbourne FC before forming our opinions. All we want as supporters of the league is some clarity regarding the rules of the FAI competition.
There are several questions that need answering, from what I can see. The first being does it state in the rules that if a team is expelled from the competition then the team they defeated also remain OUT? If this is the case then we have to ask the question WHY there is an appeal process to that rule.
Secondly, do the rules state that should a team be expelled, the team they have defeated have the right to appeal the result and either look to progress to the next round or look for a replay?
If this is the case we have to ask the question WHAT is the FAI’s fascination with appeals processes?
Thirdly, is it the case that in the event of a team being expelled from the FAI cup, their beaten opponents will have clear passage to the next round in their place? If this is the case we have to ask the question where did this intelligent chap who made this rule come from?
And finally, is it stated in the rulebook that should a team be expelled from the competition, the team that they have drawn them in the quarter-finals will have clear passage to the semi -final stage?
Once again if this is the case we have to ask, WHO comes up with this bullshit?
Anyway getting back to last week I was delighted to see Mark Farren’ s return to LOI football after serious illness. The man has shown great courage and determination all through his career so to see him come back is no great surprise. If his courageous traits are mirrored by his Derry City team mates then don’t be surprised to see Premier title sitting proudly in the Brandywell at the end of the season.
The premier division produced 24 goals while the first division rowed in with 18 ensuring LOI supporters across the country got good value and excitement last weekend. Throw in the six goals Rovers produced in the FAI cup replay against UCD and it would look like we have never had it so good in terms of exciting attacking play from all our league clubs.
I was fortunate enough to be at one of these goal fests when I attended the promotion clash between Cork City and Limerick FC - a match that finished three-all but in reality the poor defending displayed by both teams meant it could have been so much more. Once again Jim McKell, the referee, awarded a penalty that was quite simply not a penalty. I have seen this referee do something similar when cork played Monaghan United but the intervention on the night by the 4th official saved Mr. Mckells’ blushes. Unfortunately for Limerick there was no such saviour last week and only when the season reaches its conclusion will Limerick know how much this poor decision will affect their league standing.
The expulsion of Sheriff YC from the FAI cup was unfortunate to say the least. It is always difficult for players and managers to accept punishment for reasons beyond their control. The administrative error will cost Sherriff thousands of Euros as a club but will deny their heroic players and coaching staff the opportunity to display their courage and skill in the Q finals. That is the greater travesty here.
The decision to put Limerick FC straight into the FAI cup semi-finals is a strange one to say the least. But you know what? I have enjoyed what our clubs have been doing on the pitch so rather than look to criticize our League management committee, let’s see how they resolve the appeal brought by Shelbourne FC before forming our opinions. All we want as supporters of the league is some clarity regarding the rules of the FAI competition.
There are several questions that need answering, from what I can see. The first being does it state in the rules that if a team is expelled from the competition then the team they defeated also remain OUT? If this is the case then we have to ask the question WHY there is an appeal process to that rule.
Secondly, do the rules state that should a team be expelled, the team they have defeated have the right to appeal the result and either look to progress to the next round or look for a replay?
If this is the case we have to ask the question WHAT is the FAI’s fascination with appeals processes?
Thirdly, is it the case that in the event of a team being expelled from the FAI cup, their beaten opponents will have clear passage to the next round in their place? If this is the case we have to ask the question where did this intelligent chap who made this rule come from?
And finally, is it stated in the rulebook that should a team be expelled from the competition, the team that they have drawn them in the quarter-finals will have clear passage to the semi -final stage?
Once again if this is the case we have to ask, WHO comes up with this bullshit?
Anyway getting back to last week I was delighted to see Mark Farren’ s return to LOI football after serious illness. The man has shown great courage and determination all through his career so to see him come back is no great surprise. If his courageous traits are mirrored by his Derry City team mates then don’t be surprised to see Premier title sitting proudly in the Brandywell at the end of the season.
