What’s that line in Jerry Maguire?
“That’s how you become great, man. Hang your balls out there.”
Jerry Maguire ended up getting sacked but he had his principles. He had earned respect.
Last year, TV3’s decision to ignore the classic between Barcelona and Man City while it was playing live did not go down well.
Instead, they went with a game featuring Celtic instead. Not even Celtic Park Celtic.
Best match in Europe tonight? Unquestionably City v Barcelona. Match @TV3Ireland are showing? Borussia v Celtic. Seriously??? ,turning off.
— Sean O' Donovan (@henriksen1) November 1, 2016
And not even the good Borussia. Borussia Mönchen-bloody-gladbach.
Granted, Celtic have a big fan base in Ireland but football has a bigger one and back when Tv3 changed their schedule and chucked out a United game at the last minute, they led the way. They were in touch with what the majority would want and they were right in thinking what would be the better game and sticking to their convictions.
This week though, they’re getting even bolder but it’s for the love of the game. It’s for the greater good.
Rather than broadcast Liverpool in the Champions League away to Spartak Moscow, they’re showing the champions instead. They’re showing Real Madrid against Dortmund – two of the most exciting teams who have produced some of the most exciting battles in recent history.
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid live on TV3
Followed by highlights of Spartak v Liverpool & APOEL Nicosia v Tottenham.
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid live on TV3, Tuesday 26th September at 7.30pm.
The decision, no doubt, will upset the big Liverpool-following population of Ireland but it will intrigue the greater masses – every other football fan.
Kevin Kilbane, Brian Kerr, and Graeme Souness will call the Madrid game whilst Liverpool fans will have to wait for the highlights package afterwards.
Spurs against Nicosia never stood a chance.
United fans, meanwhile, are still alright with their game in Russia – against CSKA Moscow – being shown live on RTÉ on Wednesday.
