The SSE Airtricity League returns this weekend and, while the break was short, it’s definitely good to be back.
There’s plenty to look forward to over the coming weeks and not just on the field. For the first time this year we’ll have fans at matches this evening while the new LOITV platform, which will see clubs produce their own streaming content, will surely only add to the viewing experience.
That’s the positives but it’s quite simply baffling that we are returning to action on the same day that the Euro 2020 tournament gets underway.
While the Republic of Ireland are unfortunately not there, surely the league organisers should have organised the break for this two week period when there will be daily matches that will give people plenty of excuses to turn off the domestic league for a tournament which only takes place once every four years.
While tonight’s opening match between Turkey and Italy may not be the most appealing on paper, next Friday’s full round of games is set to go head to head with the England v Scotland match while other big upcoming games – including the Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk match which could be Richie Towell’s debut on July 2nd – will clash with two quarter-final ties.
The die hards will of course always choose the League of Ireland but going head to head with a major tournament that is a feast of football on the television was an own goal – especially at a time when they are supposed to be marketing a new streaming product.
