Sky is the limit: Derry Republic fans set to miss out on World Cup qualifier

Derry-based Republic of Ireland fans unable to get a golden ticket for next week’s World Cup play-off at home to Denmark at the Aviva Stadium, could miss out even at home as RTE have admitted that there is nothing they can do about it.

There is increasing frustration over the inaccessibility of RTE’s World Cup qualifiers coverage for Sky subscribers in the North, due to RTE feeds being geo-blocked by Sky Sports, which holds the license to show the games in the United Kingdom.

Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane will take their team to Denmark for the first leg of the World Cup play-off on Saturday before the return leg at the Aviva Stadium next Tuesday. Already demand has outstripped supply for tickets ahead of the big game, with thousands set to be left at home. The situation as it stands with RTE and Sky Sports makes the situation even more frustrating for fans, according to James Barr, Secretary of the Republic of Ireland Soccer Supporters’ Club, Derry Branch.

“We have already brought the issue up at the FAI AGM because you do have quite a few supporters club based in the North,” he explained. “There are a couple in Belfast, one in Lurgan and ourselves. They have told us it’s a marketing issue because Sky blocks RTE from getting it and in the end it comes down to money.

“The FAI have told us that their legal team is looking into it because it could be seen as discriminating against people in the North. I do know they are talking about it behind the scenes because our club has brought up that issue with them.

“There’s nothing worse because these days people don’t have outdoor aerials anymore,” he continued. “They getting their RTE through Sky while some people don’t have the Sky package. RTE was always the first point of becoming a supporter. We all have memories from when we were children of sitting in the living room watching the game. We all got that from somewhere. For me personally it was back in Italia 90 watching the penalty shoot-out with David O’Leary with everyone gathered around the living room floor watching it.”

With a strong Derry representation in the squad at present, Barr believes that Northern fans deserve to see their local heroes in action.

“When you look at the team you have Shane Duffy and James McClean from the city,” he added. “You also have Martin O’Neill managing and you even have Seamus Coleman who’s also from the Northwest, so there is a seriously strong representation in that team in the minute.

“It’s bang out of order but I’m sure the bars will do well on Saturday night.”

The Derry news contacted RTE for comment and they admitted that the situation is out of their hands.

A statement read: “RTÉ only has the rights to show the game in the Republic of Ireland. Sky Sports have the rights in the UK and, in this case, that includes Northern Ireland.

“RTÉ as a broadcaster based outside the UK doesn't even get the opportunity to bid on those rights so it is beyond our control as to whether we show the game or not.”