Blue for just one day

CONTROLLED, respectful rivalry between sports’ fans adds spice and very often a considerable layer of fun to life.

How wonderful it would be if Russia’s World Cup confounded pessimistic critics and the event, which begin in weeks, passed off without fan violence.

That same hope applies to today’s Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Kiev though the threat of violence hardly seems as acute.

There are few rivalries in sport, certainly in Irish sport, as enduring as that between Munster and Leinster rugby but the violence, if that’s what it is, has always been confined to the pitch.

That fun-and-games rivalry should not stand in the way of recognising and celebrating what Leinster have achieved. Earlier this month they became the second club to with the European Cup four times.

This afternoon they aim to become the first club to win a European and Pro12 double.

These are heady achievements and must be honoured.

They also inspire their domestic peers to do better.

So, for one day anyway, come on Leinster!