Trouble in Montrose
"I'm very disappointed. It's one of the most important games we've had in recent times. It's a match I'd love to do and I'm not doing it"
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 11, 2015
We may like to give out about the RTE panel for football games on TV, but the minute that the State broadcaster decided to change things up the whole country throws a strop.
It was announced earlier this week that John Giles would not be part of the panel fronted by Darragh Maloney for this Saturday’s crucial game against Scotland.
His place was being taken by Richie Sadlier, and tonight the former Republic of Ireland manager has lashed out at RTE, and specifically their head of sport, for the way he has been treated.
The former Leeds midfielder was speaking on Off The Ball and admits he has not been given a clear reason why he won’t feature this weekend,
“Ryle Nugent is the Head of Sport, you’ll have to ask him why I’m not on the panel.”
“I made it very, very clear that I was available and I wanted to do the match.”
The reason for Giles apparent omission was allegedly because he had already fulfilled the amount if games he is contracted to do for the season and that his absence was down to financial reasons.
The long serving TV panellist refuted that suggestion
“There is a contractual situation where I am contracted to do a certain amount of matches and I have fulfilled the obligations for those matches but we’ve always been very, very flexible on matches that we’ve done and we could do more for less.
“I made it clear that I could do an extra match and made it clear that there would be no extra payment for that.”
“What RTE have released is that it was the scheduling and availability.”
“I am available to do the match.”
“The second thing is, Ryle Nugent believes that this is the best panel for the match.
That’s his decision.
“I can’t go along with the reason of the contractual situation.”
Someone needs to check Ryle Nugent because that looks like a two-footed tackle to us.
Giles also went to highlight the intervention of colleague Eamon Dunphy in the whole situation.
“I think Eamon did make a case to Ryle Nugent about getting me on on Saturday. I had to stress to Eamon that I’m not seeking this. It’s like going to a party that you’re not invited to.”
“Eamon and Liam certainly wanted me to do it but it’s not their decision.”
The former midfielder described the situation as very disappointing and admitted that he is unsure if he will continue with RTE
“I’m contracted up to August, I’m not actually contracted at the moment to the rest of the campaign so I don’t know what the future holds… we’ll have to wait and see.”
“I feel okay, I enjoy doing what I’m doing. I feel I’m capable of doing what I’m doing. I’m 74 now.
I’m knocking on a bit but I don’t believe in the age situation.”
“If RTE think differently then it’s not just my decision.”
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