a day ago
RTE deliver overdue boost to Shelbourne fans ahead of Conference League play-off against NIFL champs Linfield
RTE have confirmed they will show next week's all-island Conference League play-off between Shelbourne and Linfield from Tolka Park.
The national broadcaster also showed the Champions League meeting between the two sides in early July when it was watched by 120,000 viewers.
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Shelbourne face Linfield in the Conference League play-offs
Credit: Igor Kupjlenik/Sportsfile
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RTE will be televising the game
Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
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But only one of the 15 European games since then - Shelbourne's home game with Qarabag on Premier Sport - has been broadcast with the rest on streaming services.
Budgetary and staffing constraints were cited by RTE as the reason for not showing Tuesday's game between Shelbourne and Rijeka when the Reds could have qualified for the group stages.
But the appeal of a second meeting with Linfield - as both sides do battle for a Conference League group stage spot and a guaranteed €3.8 million in prize money.
It is unclear if the second leg from Windsor Park will be shown as Linfield hold the rights, and there was no agreement for the July Champions League meeting.
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On that occasion, fans in Northern Ireland could watch for free on the BBC player while supporters in the Republic of Ireland had to purchase a fee.
Shamrock Rovers are also in Conference League action against Portuguese side Santa Clara.
And their second leg from Tallaght could also be shown if they get a favourable result in the Azores next Thursday.
Meanwhile, Shels and Rovers league meeting next weekend has been postponed at the request of the clubs to allow them to fully focus on their European games.
