FAI acknowledge frustrations as Shels-St Pat's re-fixed

The FAI have confirmed that the controversial SSE Airtricity Premier Division re-fixture between Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic will take place at Tolka Park on Monday, 3 October.

The match was originally scheduled for 7 August, but was called off after the Saints became stranded in Bulgaria following their Europa Conference League win over CSKA Sofia.

Reacting to the decision at the time, Shelbourne described it as "unfair" while St Pat’s called the decision "sensible."

In re-arranging the date, the FAI acknowledged the frustrations that had occurred.

"The FAI acknowledges the frustrations of supporters and concerns expressed by Shelbourne FC around the failure to play this fixture as planned on 7th August and regrets the inconvenience caused to all those affected due to circumstances beyond the FAI’s control.

"Consequently, the FAI will now review the policy around fixtures for all clubs involved in UEFA club competitions ahead of the 2023 League of Ireland season."

The FAI have also announced three further re-fixtures after the weekend’s FAI Cup quarter-final results. Shelbourne’s game with UCD, originally scheduled for 14 October, will now be played on 24 October. Sligo Rovers will host Derry on the same day as opposed to the original 15 October date.

The Longford v Waterford First Division game, initially set for 15 October, will now be played on Monday, 3 October.

In the FAI Cup semi-finals, Waterford host Shelbourne, a second home round in a row for the Blues, while Treaty United head to Derry City, who knocked out SSE Airtricity League Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers. Both games will be live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player on 16 October.