2017 Pre-season friendlies

**Pablo Escobar** · 12/02/2017, 2:15 PM

Originally Posted by sulywaterfordfc

McClean and the few Cork lads look like they're clearly having a bitta banter. Get over it. Jesus if a decision costs ye a point this year, ye'll still be talking about it in 20 years....

I knew we'd somehow get the blame

That's not banter, it's idiocy. There's a few digs thrown at Bolger for something he apparently did too. So, banter is ruled out in this one IMO. It doesn't matter if it's from our players or not, this should not be put in the public domain.

**sulywaterfordfc** · 12/02/2017, 2:38 PM

[QUOTE=Pablo Escobar;1906853It doesn't matter if it's from our players or not, this should not be put in the public domain.[/QUOTE]

I most certainly agree with you there. They should have more cop on when it comes to social media. Especially as they're seen as role models for kids.

**Yossarian** · 12/02/2017, 4:46 PM

Originally Posted by sulywaterfordfc

I most certainly agree with you there. They should have more cop on when it comes to social media. Especially as they're seen as role models for kids.

I've no real opinion on the issue nor do I care, but I find this viewpoint that footballers are somehow role models for kids as bizarre. Why should someone who plays football for a living be held to a higher standard than an ordinary Joe Bloggs?

**Philosophizer** · 12/02/2017, 6:05 PM

Originally Posted by sulywaterfordfc

Especially as they're seen as role models for kids.

Oh please

**Nesta99** · 12/02/2017, 8:13 PM

Originally Posted by Yossarian

I've no real opinion on the issue nor do I care, but I find this viewpoint that footballers are somehow role models for kids as bizarre. Why should someone who plays football for a living be held to a higher standard than an ordinary Joe Bloggs?

Without the please think of the kids stuff, I am pretty sure that players contracts include a code of conduct. It isnt just footballers, it is any employee, student, member of an organisation that could blemish a reputation especially if there is sponsorship (image) involved. That stuff aside I think that it is a given that people who are looked up to as 'role-models' in a community/football club, by whomever in normal circumstances, do have a responsibility beyond the ordinary Joe Bloggs. Maybe this is blurred in a country where politicians, for example, behave dispicably at times!?

**Longfordian** · 12/02/2017, 9:00 PM

Bray beat Athlone 6-0, what's more unusual is that according to Bray the FAI directed that it be played behind closed doors. Did they not officially sanction the game or something? Is there a nasty surprise looming at Licensing decision time (most likely for Athlone if so).

Or maybe I'm reading too much into it, as it seems Pats v Cabinteely was played behind closed doors. Anyone know what the reason is?

**sbgawa** · 13/02/2017, 2:14 AM

Stewarding / stadium costs v potential crowd ?

**Longfordian** · 13/02/2017, 7:11 AM

Possibly but never been the case for any pre season games before. It's the FAI direction which is curious.

**MattB11** · 13/02/2017, 7:29 AM

Harps and Derry played a behind closed doors game on Saturday morning, no official games because of referee conference according to our forum

**Ezeikial** · 13/02/2017, 8:51 AM

Originally Posted by MattB11

Harps and Derry played a behind closed doors game on Saturday morning, no official games because of referee conference according to our forum

What's the connection between a referee conference and not letting spectators in?

Presumably there was a referee and assistants for the game?

Maybe that's the marketing whizz to re-ignite the league - stimulate interest by banning spectators?

**Mr A** · 13/02/2017, 9:52 AM

No refs means not an official game which means clubs can't announce it or risk having the FAI come down on them. I doubt there were actual closed doors involved and if people had happened along they could have watched.

**El-Pietro** · 13/02/2017, 11:07 AM

Happens all the time, City played UCC in a similar game this year, very few people knew about.
The refs conference is on around this time every year and a lot of clubs end up playing unofficial games with local refs to get a game in as it is so close to the season (hey referees, maybe don't have your conference in the two weeks before the season starts).

**Bray Head** · 13/02/2017, 1:04 PM

The FAI don't allow fans to attend matches in Abbotstown as there are no spectator viewing points so that's probably why it was called behind closed doors.

**Longfordian** · 13/02/2017, 1:32 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

No refs means not an official game which means clubs can't announce it or risk having the FAI come down on them. I doubt there were actual closed doors involved and if people had happened along they could have watched.

Athlone appear to be taking this a little further and refusing to acknowledge that there even was a game. Or who their manager is, what players they have etc..

**littlebray** · 13/02/2017, 2:01 PM

Originally Posted by Longfordian

Athlone appear to be taking this a little further and refusing to acknowledge that there even was a game. Or who their manager is, what players they have etc..

No, it's on their facebook. And a propos playing at Abbotstown, that doesn't appear to have been Bray's choice - or Athlone's

**Longfordian** · 13/02/2017, 2:13 PM

Originally Posted by littlebray

No, it's on their facebook. And a propos playing at Abbotstown, that doesn't appear to have been Bray's choice - or Athlone's

Saw it on their Fans page, don't see it on what appears to be their official page

**littlebray** · 13/02/2017, 2:39 PM

Something similar with Bray - the fixture is gone on the site, but the result &c were on the Facebook/Twitter. Probably unsure how to handle it if they were told it had to be CD - sorry, "closed door".