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Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche has unleashed both barrels on RTE, slamming them over the ‘Tweet-gate’ debacle.

‘RTE Soccer’ inaccurately tweeted on Monday manager Trevor Croly had parted company with the Tallaght club.

But within half an hour they rowed back, claiming that their account was hacked.

Croly has since received an apology from RTE but fuming Roche says it is not enough.

“As a club we are not going to take the crap that has been thrown at us in the last few years as it is the second year in-a-row,” he said.

“RTE have promised they will do an investigation and they will come back and tell us the results.

“In our opinion it was a pre-meditated, malicious tweet to put more pressure on someone’s employment and to damage the club.

“RTE have gone back on it but the damage was done. We want to find out who did it and why.

“People think they can say and do what they want without having the facts and from the national broadcaster, it is not good enough.”

Croly, under the spotlight after three successive league defeats that has ended their title push, tried to brush off the storm.

But while putting a brave face on it yesterday, it is the last thing the Hoops boss needs ahead of Friday’s FAI Cup clash with Sheriff.

Croly confirmed he received an RTE apology but said of the incident: “I think everyone can draw their own conclusions.

“It was not a difficult day.People go about their business whatever way they want to but I didn’t do anything wrong.

“There is speculation every day so you kind of get used to it. It is not much different whether it’s on the telly or in the paper.

“It is not something that bothers me.”

Croly, 17 points off top spot, is pleading for fan patience and insists he did not seek reassurance from Roche over his position.

Rovers were quick to sack Stephen Kenny a year ago in the first year of a three year deal – but his record was better than Croly’s.

Yet Roche appeared to stand by his man last night and said: “The past is the past and there is no point raking over that.

“People do not know everything that goes on behind decisions. People still think Michael O’Neill might have stayed but that is not true.

“We are happy where we are. We are not happy with the league but Trevor and the players have said that.”

Croly admits the Hoops league position is not good enough but is urging fans to be patient.

“Are we where we want to be at this minute in the league? No. But things don’t happen instantaneously, that is my opinion,” said Croly.

“Just because someone sends a tweet out, it doesn’t really change too much.”