BBC Sport NI to broadcast both legs of Linfield's Champions League showdown with Shelbourne

The Blues will travel to Dublin for the first leg of their blockbuster tie which pits the reigning Irish League champions against the League of Ireland kings at Tolka Park on July 9 before hosting the reverse fixture at Windsor Park seven days later.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Linfield have only been allocated 280 tickets for the opening match with the club saying in a statement they are “extremely disappointed”.

Fans who miss out on attending in person will be able to watch the action on BBC Sport NI, who announced they will broadcast live coverage of both legs on the BBC Sport website and app.

It’s a crucial tie for David Healy’s side with the winners set to guarantee themselves at least a Conference League play-off as they look to follow in Larne’s footsteps by securing League Phase football – and the financial windfall that comes with it.

The winner of Linfield vs Shelbourne will face Azerbaijan’s Qarabag in the second qualifying round while the losers face either FK Zalgiris of Lithuania or Hamrun Spartans of Malta.

Shels were handed a major blow ahead of the tie on Sunday as manager Damien Duff resigned from his role only a matter of months after guiding them to their first Premier Division title in 18 years.

Posting on their website on Tuesday, BBC Sport NI said: “BBC Sport NI is to broadcast live coverage of both legs of the Champions League first qualifying round tie between Irish Premiership champions Linfield and Irish Premier Division winners Shelbourne.

“The sides were paired in the recent draw for the European competition.

“The first leg will be played at Tolka Park in Dublin on Wednesday 9 July, with a 19:45 BST kick-off.

“The second leg takes place at Windsor Park in Belfast on 16 July, again with a 19:45 start.

“Both matches will also be available to view on the BBC Sport website and app.”