The Europa League draw was made and it's Liverpool vs Man United for the first time ever in European competition with the second leg on St. Patrick's day.
For many it's heaven, for an equal number it is the physical manifestation of Dante's descent into the Inferno. In reality, it doesn't really matter what side of the divide you fall on. All that matters is that we have the basis for the kind of debate which will threaten to turn ugly between now and March 17th.
At this moment in time we'd like to take a moment to think of @emptylakes. We're not going to lie, it's going to be a rough month if you're of such a disposition.
3 worst days to be Irish: Paddy's Day and the two Utd-Liverpool games.
— Nev (@emptylakes) March 22, 2015
Now obviously enough, BarryECrossan was being facetious but we enjoyed it so much that we're going to take it on face value and put it forward as the opposing argument.
Essentially, Liverpool vs Man United is the bellwether of the Irish footballing nation. You either embrace it for all it's worth or you despise everything it's done to this once proud country. Obviously, there's a middle ground in there but for the sake of pure hyperbole, let's just pretend that it's all black and white over the next couple of weeks.
On one hand you have the Premier League panderers otherwise referred to as the barstoolers. On the other hand you have the high and mighties, otherwise referred to as the militant faction of the #greatestleagueintheworld. We're certainly got going to be taking sides in this, rather we'd like to act as peacekeepers and outline how we're all going to get through it in a thoroughly harmonious fashion.
First thing's first, the 2016 Airtricity League season kicks off on March 4th. We'd like to think this could be used as an opportunity to bridge the divide ahead of the first leg of the Europa League tie on March 10th. Head along to your nearest ground, take a couple of pictures of yourself enjoying some good honest community spirit and maybe even bring a barstool along to show just how much of a good sport you are about it all.
As for the Europa League tie, that one is a bit trickier. We'd encourage the League of Ireland fans to embrace it for it's worth. For every barstooler that can be enticed through the doors of a League of Ireland ground, we'd encourage the militants to agree to buy a Liverpool/Man United jersey, dye it green and show your national pride on St. Patricks Day as you cheer on your new favourite team in their hunt to reestablish themselves at Europe's top table.
And while we're at it, it's worth noting the real winners in all this. The folks at the Setanta Sports subscription office are still bouncing off the ceiling with the news.
Wow. Liverpool and Man United meet in the Europa League last 16!! 👀 #UEL pic.twitter.com/775XDPIB5W
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 26, 2016
