Richie Sadlier: Understandable League of Ireland frustration over 'tone deaf' FAI comments

Richie Sadlier says criticism of the FAI by Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley is inevitable after years of frustration within League of Ireland circles.

With record attendances in the domestic game and the Hoops still flying the flag in Europe, the League of Ireland is on the crest of the wave.

Yet there remains huge dissatisfaction with how the association treats the league in some quarters.

Last week Bradley voiced his criticism towards Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson in relation to comments regarding Shamrock Rovers players following their European success, saying "hopefully they will get career change from this success".

On the eve of Rovers' UEFA Conference League knockout phase second leg with Molde – a tie they lead 1-0 - Bradley has launched a scathing attack on the FAI’s leadership and feels their "disgraceful" treatment of Colin Healy "smacks of arrogance".

Healy was let go as Republic of Ireland assistant manager by the FAI on the same day that they announced manager Eileen Gleeson was leaving.

FAI chief football officer Marc Canham claimed the circumstances were made clear to Healy at every stage and that there were consistent lines of communication with the Cork native.

However, in a lengthy statement, Healy criticised the process in which he was removed from the assistant manager's role, claiming he had been informed just weeks before the decision, that there would be a recommendation that his contract be extended.

Healy has submitted a formal complaint to the FAI over the handling of his departure.

Bradley paid an emotional tribute to Healy, stating that he does not feel the right people are running Irish football currently.

"Looking at the treatment of Colin, they don’t understand Irish people and