Over the last number of years, League of Ireland team's involvement in Europe has been minimal. This season there is a possibility of both Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic making it to the Conference League group stages, but their European progression is causing a stir when it comes to their domestic action.
Much to the frustration of Dundalk boss Jon Daly, he was notified of the postponement of Sunday's match against St Pat's before 5pm on Friday afternoon. That was set to be a massive game for his club as they look to avoid relegation from the top tier.
The news comes after the scheduling of the game was strongly criticised by St Pats manager Stephen Kenny due to the fact that it was sandwiched in between his side's two European legs against Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
A statement released by the League of Ireland said:
The postponement comes as a result of the unique opportunity that now exists for two League of Ireland clubs to compete in the League Phase of UEFA Club competitions for the first time as St Patrick’s Athletic travel to Istanbul for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League Play-Off with İstanbul Başakşehir.
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Dundalk manager not happy over LOI fixture postponement
Speaking to Dundalk FC's website, Daly wasn't shy in airing his frustrations regarding the postponement of Sunday's match:
To call a game off, 46 hours before it is due to get underway, is farcical, I think it shows that if you make enough noise and apply pressure in the right areas you can clearly get your way.
From a football point of view, we will have gone 21 days without a competitive game. That is completely unacceptable at a stage of the season where we have just nine fixtures to play.
The postponement means the Co.Louth club will be out of action for 21 days before they take to the field to take on Shelbourne on Friday, August 30th, with their last competitive outing against Derry City on August 9th.
No doubt the clubs progression in Europe is good for the League of Ireland but it does make you wonder why the game was scheduled in between two massive matches for the Inchicore club in the first place.
