Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Beeb bring the noise to semis
SIMULATED crowd noise will be used in BBC Northern Ireland’s live coverage of Monday’s eagerly-awaited Irish Cup semi-finals at Windsor Park.
Beeb chiefs will follow the likes of Match of the Day, Sky Sports and BT Sport by using a virtual atmosphere in both ties.
Ballymena United’s last-four clash with rivals Coleraine and Glentoran’s showdown with Cliftonville are both being played behind closed doors.
In the likelihood of the final being played without fans – talks between the IFA and NI Executive are ongoing – BBC will also call upon simulated noise for the July 31 showpiece.
A spokesman said: “In the absence of the customary atmosphere generated by fans at games, similar to other broadcasters, BBC Sport NI will be using crowd noise. That noise will be sourced from archive matches for both semis and the final four days later.”
Stephen Watson will present coverage on BBC2 from 3.45pm and he will be joined by former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan and Linfield striker Andy Waterworth.
Michael Clarke and Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter are on commentary for the Ballymena versus Coleraine tie from 4pm, with Nicola Mccarthy reporting pitchside.
Thomas Kane will be joined by Andy Waterworth on commentary for the all-belfast tie at 8pm, with coverage from 7.30pm.
Kane said: “Like managers, players and fans, we have really missed being part of the action.”
The two semis will also be on the BBC iplayer and Radio Ulster MW, with Joel Taggart on radio duty.