More good news for FAI

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday October 03, 2002 22:52 by george w

Bohs and Rovers to sue FAI over screening of Scottish match ahead of Irish game

Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers are to sue the FAI over the fixing of the clubs' FAI Carlsberg Cup semi-final for this Sunday.

The two Dublin sides wanted the match to be played this Friday night, but they claim they were initially told that the decision was made to fix the tie for Sunday to facilitate live television. However, with RTE now screening the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers instead, this explanation has subsequently proved unfounded. Both clubs claim that they were next told that the decision was based on advice from the Gardai and the FAI Security Department. However, both these bodies have confirmed independently to Rovers and Bohs that they had no objection to the fixture going ahead on Friday night.

Now the disgruntled clubs, who tonight issued a statement on the matter outlining their "total outrage and disgust" over the matter, plan to pursue the FAI for compensation for the financial shortfall they claim they will suffer. The eircom League Premier Division clubs predict that other clashing sporting events, including the televised Scottish Premier League game and the All-Ireland Under-21 Football Final in Portlaoise between Dublin and Galway, will eat into their possible revenue from the game.