LOI In Europe 2020

[EatYerGreens]

If a shark and a tiger mate, would it be known as a Thark or a Shiger?

Or a Shager ?

[Scrufil]

Does new Government measures on crowds mean Rovers miss out by one day? Could they not apply for an excemption? This is cruel otherwise. Maybe Micky + Leo are Bohs fans.

[nigel-harps1954]

Does new Government measures on crowds mean Rovers miss out by one day? Could they not apply for an excemption? This is cruel otherwise. Maybe Micky + Leo are Bohs fans.

Unless they were applying to UEFA?

[Scrufil]

So Nigel-Harps 1954 you're saying it is a UEFA rule about no crowds at games not an Irish rule?

[Yossarian]

So Nigel-Harps 1954 you're saying it is a UEFA rule about no crowds at games not an Irish rule?

That’s it. UEFA decided on no crowds at any qualifiers as the different rules around Europe would have led to inconsistencies in the allowed attendances at games and obviously it could then have given an advantage to a home team that was allowed a crowd for a one leg game.

[Scrufil]

Just seen that UEFA are selling supercup tickets for Bayern v Seville. 30% capacity on 24th Sep. If that goes fine then euro crowds might be allowed back.

[Yossarian]

Dundalk have confirmed the game on Thursday with Inter Club Escaldes will be streamed free. Full details to to confirmed later.

[Scrufil]

Yossarian is it correct that Dundalk's game k.o. is 6:30 pm Irish time? If so it mucks me up. Now I need a third screen. Want to watch the games on silent while attending a Zoom meeting. How do we sign up for Dundalk match?

[Yossarian]

Yossarian is it correct that Dundalk's game k.o. is 6:30 pm Irish time? If so it mucks me up. Now I need a third screen. Want to watch the games on silent while attending a Zoom meeting. How do we sign up for Dundalk match?

Yes, 6:30 Irish time on Thursday. No details are out yet on what platform it’ll be broadcast or how to sign up.

[DCSIL]

Rovers have hit the heights, they’re mentioned in a Waterford Whispers story.

[Scrufil]

If Rovers want to really frighten AC Milan get the Kilkenny hurlers to hold a quick training session before the match, in Rovers shirts. And put up highlights of Harps eh, 'tackles' with Ollies voice on full volume over the tannoy.

[CorribsideSteve]

How are Rovers fans feeling? If I was one, I'd have mixed feelings about it all. On a hiding to nothing, in front of zero fans, knowing there's 95% chance of not just a defeat, but a thrashing. It's a pretty impossible position. As hard a draw that an LOI side has got since Shels vs Deportivo (though Rovers did play Juve and Spurs I guess). Will it just be a case of taking a deep breath at kick-off, and just seeing how it goes? It's a fairly well-worn cliche, but this time particularly, there would be no shame in a heavy defeat here. If AC Milan were on the level of the Legia/BATE sides around 2016 that Dundalk contended with (technically better but beatable), there would be a better chance for Rovers, I feel. I wish them the best, but keeping all my expectations lower than the Netherlands for this one. At least there was a good Waterford Whispers done about it ;)

[placid casual]

A heavy defeat!???
Have you even been paying attention there. This isn't the callow Rovers II we're talking about.
I expect Rovers to give Milan a decent game and the worst case scenario goal wise would be a 2:0 defeat.
But I won't be shocked in the slightest to see Rovers take them to extra time.
If, IF, we can take them to penos I'd be disappointed to see us go out.

[CorribsideSteve]

A heavy defeat!???
Have you even been paying attention there. This isn't the callow Rovers II we're talking about.
I expect Rovers to give Milan a decent game and the worst case scenario goal wise would be a 2:0 defeat.
But I won't be shocked in the slightest to see Rovers take them to extra time.
If, IF, we can take them to penos I'd be disappointed to see us go out.

I sincerely hope that you're right. Would be great to see.

[Yossarian]

For those interested, Dundalk’s game tomorrow will be streamed on the clubs Facebook page or at this link:

http://www.laola1.at/

Although from looking at the media this week most people will probably be shocked to learn there are actually two LoI teams playing in the Europa League tomorrow.

[pineapple stu]

I expect Rovers to give Milan a decent game and the worst case scenario goal wise would be a 2:0 defeat.
That's a brave post to be putting up before the match!

[Nesta99]

Blind faith is a good thing!

[Nesta99]

Any Spanish speakers? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHUWy-jYyGo

[sbgawa]

Any Spanish speakers? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHUWy-jYyGo

Rough translation would be they are looking forward to playing Dundalk who from what they hear are the second best team in Ireland , if they are lucky enougb to go.through they are hoping to have a crack at the great rovers team.
Leaving cert pass Spanish:)

[dong]

Rough translation would be they are looking forward to playing Dundalk who from what they hear are the second best team in Ireland , if they are lucky enougb to go.through they are hoping to have a crack at the great rovers team.
Leaving cert pass Spanish:)

And there seems to be some mention of the team looking forward to meeting the famous Maxi after the game. They will however be keeping clear 2m distance from him.
Nothing to do with COVID but in case se produces a lighter.

[2 Year Contract]

I see rovers have teamed up with paddy power to make a show of the league before a ball is kicked. We all want the league to be respected and in fairness to AC Milan they’ve shown a lot of respect to rovers in the buildup to this game and in return rovers have opted for a huge banner behind the goal stating AC Milan’s striker should leave them and get a job in the local shopping centre. Total lack of class and makes the league look amateur hour

[dundalkfc10]

Just seen that UEFA are selling supercup tickets for Bayern v Seville. 30% capacity on 24th Sep. If that goes fine then euro crowds might be allowed back.

It's already been decided there will be no crowds at ANY qualifying games in Europa and Champions League games, to make it fair for everyone

[dundalkfc10]

An absolute embarrassment, fair enough making a few pound but they have made Rovers and the LOI a laughing stock.

Rovers fans must be disgusted

[Straightstory]

Oh dear. This sounds SO embarrassing.

[dundalkfc10]

Oh dear. This sounds SO embarrassing.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/5910592/paddy-power-shamrock-rovers-tallaght-stadium-ac-milan/

It's worse

[Straightstory]

How crass are Paddy Power? They're the embodiment of the most boring loud-mouth eject down the pub who thinks Mrs Brown's boys is the funniest thing on telly. Shame on Rovers for getting involved with this kind of nonsense. They've humiliated themselves. How awful for the players to have to see these vulgar and pathetic slogans peppered around the stadium. I think I'll now watch the Dundalk game instead.

[placid casual]

I can't honestly come on here and defend this. Its tacky as f***.
Rovers don't need the negative exposure this will bring. The money may come in handy but it's a poor decision by the Rovers marketing dept.

As for refusing to watch a game because of the advertising, probably best you stay indoors forever, as the world is a dangerous place for the likes of you.

[Yossarian]

Obviously Rovers have to maximise their revenue from this game but those banners are ridiculous and show a lot of disrespect for not only Milan but Irish football. The Rovers marketing team should know that this is the type of adverts that Paddy Power always go for, so really should have looked elsewhere.

I won’t be watching the game anyway as I’ll be watching our game, but it might be a bit of an over reaction for someone not to watch it because of a tacky ad.

[Mr A]

Look the banners are awful but Rovers are down how much in gates etc this year so needs must I guess

[CorribsideSteve]

If these banners are taken down pre-match, then I view it as a bit of craic, and a bit of money made for Rovers. A pre-match publicity stunt. However, if they're up during the match for the world to see, then it's a little less funny, but not absolute embarrasment as some have mooted. If those banners are the only source of collective embarrasment (no hideous, yet comical goals gifted to the opponents, as is the norm for LOI sides in Europe) at the final whistle, it'l have been a good night.

[Nesta99]

If we are taking about the banners rather than the game then PP have done their job well. They dont care about the league or how things reflect on clubs.

[paul_oshea]

If these banners are taken down pre-match, then I view it as a bit of craic, and a bit of money made for Rovers. A pre-match publicity stunt. However, if they're up during the match for the world to see, then it's a little less funny, but not absolute embarrasment as some have mooted. If those banners are the only source of collective embarrasment (no hideous, yet comical goals gifted to the opponents, as is the norm for LOI sides in Europe) at the final whistle, it'l have been a good night.

I imagine they can only be done pre-match, uefa wouldnt allow the sponsorship right? It's harmless, easy money, people need to get over themselves and have some self-awareness.

[sbgawa]

i suspect the Zlatan one is a wind up and will be gone, the rest is harmlesss fun.
If the Zlatan one is still there its disrespectful and would be wrong

[The Lilywhites]

I assume the banners won't actually be up during the match, a bit like the Huddersfield kit joke PP did last season.

Rovers have an existing sponsorship deal with PP, so how much can they be making from it really?

The banners aren't even funny. Some of PP's marketing and stunts are great, but these look like a 5 minute rush job. Embarrassing for all, even if it is only for a pre match joke.

[John83]

The banners aren't even funny. Some of PP's marketing and stunts are great, but these look like a 5 minute rush job. Embarrassing for all, even if it is only for a pre match joke.
People have different senses of humour. They don't have to be funny to get people talking about the brand anyway. The whole purpose of this kind of marketing is that when you are thinking about betting, PP is one of the names that occurs to you. The controversy (teacup storm as it is) is just a mechanism to make word spread. If it's a 5 minute job, PP are getting their money's worth.

[The Lilywhites]

If people are betting, they should be betting with PP anyway. A million miles ahead of their opposition, in every way.

As I said, their marketing and PR stunts are usually excellent, but these are just lazy.

[pineapple stu]

Like them or loathe them - and betting companies have a lot not to like - Paddy Power's marketing strategy is excellent.

They've identified and identified with their target market really well, and they've done it twice, as Betfair is the same company but with a clearly different target market and very different branding. Paddy Power is the lads' bants, and Betfair is for those who see themselves as being above that kind of nonsense. But it's all the same thing in the end of the day. As in literally - it's the same company.

Some places - When Saturday Comes magazine is an example - are starting to turn down gambling advertising because of the addictive nature of what Paddy Power are selling, and the really focused way they sell it (they've staff whose jobs it is to keep coming with new ways of targetting problem gamblers, effectively). It would be nice to think Rovers would match WSC's spirit, but in a global pandemic when they've been shafted of a huge sum of money from this tie already, it's really hard to argue any LoI club would act any differently tbh.

[The Lilywhites]

Are Rovers maybe considering going with Paddy Power on the front of their jersey next season? JD Sports pulling out at the end of this season.

Dundalk going with Bet Regal next year. Don't know anything about them (except they put signs behind the goal during last season). Not a fan of a gambling company across the front of our jersey tbh.

[paul_oshea]

Well PP have succeeded then, instead of the talk about the game(s) on this forum at least, its about PP before the game.

[EatYerGreens]

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/5910592/paddy-power-shamrock-rovers-tallaght-stadium-ac-milan/

It's worse

Because nothing would unnerve a team of multinational professional footballers more than telling them you put pineapple on your pizza.

I don't bet myself, and am not a fan of the way betting companies have become so deeply ingrained within the modern game. It's really not healthy, and it benefits no-one except the owners of the betting firms - whilst passing on the costs for dealing with the mess it creates to society.

That said - I also don't buy into the idea that this is a terrible thing or disrespectful to AC Mila etc. I just think it's really weak attempts at humour that will just leave Italian viewers scratching their heads and thinking that Rovers are a bunch weirdos and don't make any sense. Nothing worse than that.

Some histrionics about it all on here though.

[pineapple stu]

That said - I also don't buy into the idea that this is a terrible thing or disrespectful to AC Mila etc. I just think it's really weak attempts at humour that will just leave Italian viewers scratching their heads and thinking that Rovers are a bunch weirdos and don't make any sense.
I agree with that, but the real point is that it'll strike a chord with the kind of laddish person Paddy Power are targetting, who'll think it's great bants and who have probably already shared it around their WhatsApp group.

What wacky thing will they do next in the name of proper bants, eh?

[DeLorean]

It's quite a young team, with lots of key players around 21-3. Some of these guys could wind up at even bigger clubs in a few years.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is a 21 year old keeper with something like 200 senior appearances for Milan and 18 caps for Italy. He's not the heir to Buffon's throne, he's already ascended to it. His big brother is their backup keeper.

I don't know if they intend to play him or use him as backup, but Brahim Díaz is a talented forward who's played for Man City and Real Madrid (who've just loaned him to Milan). He hasn't had many competitive games yet, but he's still 21, and clubs of that magnitude must see something interesting in him.

Their captain is Romagnoli, an Italian centre half. Still only 25, he's played a bit for the national team, and presumably will play more if Chiellini retires before drawing his pension.

Çalhanoğlu is a Turkish winger with an eye for a goal.

Paquetá is a young Brazilian attacking mid, who has about a dozen caps for Brazil.

Kessié is an Ivorean centre mid.

Interesting, thanks. I don't see Milan very often but one player I have noticed is the Croatian, Ante Rebić. He went on a hot scoring streak near the end of the season. Only caught my eye really because he was very good in the World Cup also, has a tough/mean streak but a very useful player. Milan signed him up permanently the other day as he had only been on loan from Frankfurt. Don't know if he's involved this evening.

Edit- okay I've just seen their squad, he's not. :o

[EatYerGreens]

I agree with that, but the real point is that it'll strike a chord with the kind of laddish person Paddy Power are targetting, who'll think it's great bants and who have probably already shared it around their WhatsApp group.

What wacky thing will they do next in the name of proper bants, eh?

Will it though ? Do the vast majority of people not recognise weak attempts at humour/'banter' when they see it ? The pineapple on pizza thing would only make sense if Rovers were a Hawaiian team FFS.

I think you're giving far too much kudos to the 'genius' of PPs marketing. Some times they get things like this right. But a lot of the time it's just cringey, and I suspect the vast majority of people either think the same are at best aren't moved by it either way.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, the majority will see through it. They'd be Betfair targets.

But that still leaves an awful lot of people though. And I don't think you can argue with their results.

[Straightstory]

It's just the sheer crassness, vulgarity and eejitry of Paddy Power which is hard to stomach. (OK, though - I'll probably watch a bit of the game. Especially of Rovers are still in it with twenty minutes to go).

[Asterix]

It's just the sheer crassness, vulgarity and eejitry of Paddy Power which is hard to stomach. (OK, though - I'll probably watch a bit of the game. Especially of Rovers are still in it with twenty minutes to go).

Ive heard the banners are already gone, they were only put up for Milan players walking around the ground yesterday. You can enjoy the game without having to look at them.

[The Lilywhites]

Was pretty obvious they wouldn't be up during the match.

So PP on the front of Rovers' jersey next season?

[Asterix]

Well JD was a 2 year deal so..

[The Lilywhites]

Well JD was a 2 year deal so..

Was, not now. They're gone at the end of this season.

[Asterix]

Was, not now. They're gone at the end of this season.

Thats good to know. :pray: