Brian Kerr

The players shouldn't be put in a tricky position of having to

be the ones who have to justify it.

But the association should be making a strong stand.

But then again we may not have much power within UEFA because of our past sins and because the regime, recent regimes and

Yeah, they did, but the people who are there, thanks be to God, they're not there anymore.

But the newer people who are involved have not veigled themselves into the realms of power within UEFA yet.

But they still should take a stand and be principled about it and just say, no, we're not playing.

That's it.

And make the arguments and try and deal with the fallout from it.

Where do they lose a couple?

I mean, I know they're stuck for bobs, but I think the Irish public would have more respect for them and the Irish sporting public would have more respect for them.

And sponsors might even have more respect for them if they took a principled stand on this.

Thanks, Richie.

Thank you.

Football on Off the Ball.

Sir Alex Ferguson was the master of that, of taking pressure off his players, casting it onto referees, the opposition.

Us in the media were responsible at times.

You know, the kick manufacturer, I mean, all sorts, you know, anyone but he's the players.

That's what the best managers do.

They're lightning conductors for criticism and pressure, so they take it off their players.