Rovers’ fans angered by Real Madrid turnout
There was widespread disappointment in Dublin last night when soccer fans expecting to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka were instead treated to the skills of Benolo, Pegrene and Marta.
If those names sound unfamiliar, don’t worry, you may hear about them in ten years time though. In a spectacular mix-up involving Shamrock Rovers, Real Madrid and Platinum One, the Spanish giants sent their under-12s team for the much hyped showdown with Rovers instead of ‘Los Galacticos’, leaving thousands of supporters fuming.
“I paid €300 for tickets for me and my kids, only to see a bunch of players younger than them running around. This is a joke. We came here to abuse Ronaldo, not babysit,” said Mick Doherty of Ballymun.
A sheepish John Byrne, communications officer for the Hoops, was as confused as anyone with the turn of events, “I’ve been trying to get hold of someone at Madrid or Platinum One all evening but I haven’t had any luck so far. Somewhere down the line we probably should’ve thought it was too good to be true, but we were all seeing stars, I suppose. When I know more, I’ll let you know.”
In an effort to avoid further anger and possible rioting from the sell-out crowd, a decision was made to let the game go ahead despite the age difference, with Rovers edging out the young Madristas, with a hard fought 2-1 win.
Madrid took an early lead through Albo’s neat finish and then proceeded to dominate the game until the hour mark. Madrid, generally used to playing shorter games on smaller pitches, then visibly began to wilt and Stephen Rice brought Shamrock Rovers back into the game, thanks to a harshly awarded penalty in the 85th minute. A cruel turn of events then saw Lucho head into the back of his own goal as injury time loomed, though replays suggested he had been fouled by Gary Twigg.
As the whistle blew for full time, supporters were treated to the sight of euphoric Rovers stars leaving the pitch, preciously clutching their young opponents’ swapped shirts. The Madrid youths reportedly left their Hoops shirts behind as they departed Tallaght Stadium.
Despite the fans’ fury, Rovers boss Michael O’Neill was delighted with his team’s display. “Look, people can say what they like about the team they fielded, but nothing will ever change the fact that we have beaten Real Madrid. Admittedly, we made it tough for ourselves but against a very good side – don’t forget, some of these are internationals – we worked hard, and we got what we deserved in the end. What a night!”
Robert Hogan