FIFA turning football into ‘a non-contact sport’

THAT was another good night for Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Wednesday, as they eased past Glentoran to set up a mouth-watering Champions’ League tie against Steaua Bucharest.

And another good night for football on the island too, as the occasion passed off peacefully and Glentoran supporters leaving the ground were applauded out by the Red faithful in the stand.

But the week was also notable for the rare sight and sound of a football manager expressing sympathy for the refereeing fraternity.