SHAMROCK Rovers fans were miffed as Roberto Lopes was referred to as ‘one of the great imports into the Irish League’ by TNT Sports.
Commentator Ian Darke was guilty of not doing enough research around the centre-back before covering their penalty shootout heartbreak against Molde.
In defence of Darke, he has to brush up on a wide array of players and teams across all of European football given the competitions TNT Sports have the rights for.
And as one fan noted, it’s not like Lopes has a traditionally Irish name so clearly Darke looked him up beforehand, saw he plays for Cape Verde internationally and didn’t think to double-check his full background.
But nonetheless the bulk of the 24 replies to Off the Ball contributor Will O’Callaghan’s tweet showcased the main feeling was that of annoyance.
O’Callaghan had initially pointed out: “TNT Sports: ‘Roberto Lopes is one of the great imports into the Irish League.’
“Crumlin’s Roberto Lopes.”
Brendan responded: “I was laughing when he said it. Top class research.”
Another person kept it short and sweet by posting: “Absolute spoofers!”
Meanwhile Ade quipped: “Maybe he meant Northside to southside.”
The League of Ireland being called the ‘Irish League’ also irked plenty too.
Inver joked: “And he plays in the League of Ireland….why I’m watching on Premier instead.”
Lastly on the ever-infuriating phenomenon of how British people can butcher the pronunciation of Irish names, Tom commented: “That was grating and ‘Aaron McEnough’ is driving me spare!”
The Hoops exited the Conference League last night in the play-off round on penalties to Molde in a tie that all in Tallaght believe was winnable.
But in reaching the play-off round, they have already set a new high watermark for the League of Ireland progressing through the group stage.
That LOI sides have reached the group stage of any competition on just five occasions in history – two for Dundalk, three for Rovers – highlights the achievement.
BRADLEY’S BELIEF
But having also reached the group stages in 2022, and now gone further, Stephen Bradley believes it has set a new bar for the league.
He said: “I don’t think we’re far off, I think we are there, we’re ready. This is our second group stage campaign in three years.
“It’s not as if we’ve been in one ten years ago and we’ve waited for this. I’m sure Pat’s and Shels will feel they are ready as well.
“I don’t see why Irish clubs should look and think in another two or three years we can do that. We’re ready now.
“I think them days of looking at other nations and thinking we’re inferior to them are gone, long gone.
“I speak for myself and this club but I am sure Damien (Duff) and Stephen (Kenny) would tell you the same.
“We’re ready, the clubs are ready to have this on a regular basis. I’ve no doubt they are ready.”
Rovers reached the group stage via the ‘champions route’ as 2023 LOI champions that meant they started in the Champions League and dropped into the Europa and Conference Leagues on their eliminations.
Having effectively three chances – provided you win your first round – is a huge benefit and only available to the champions.
But from 2026, the FAI Cup holders will have two chances to make the group stages as they will start in the Europa League as the Hoops’ success this year has earned enough coefficient points to gain that from next year.
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