Posted by John Romano in Sports and Entertainment on November 20, 2009
PARIS (LinkParis.com) – If you think American politicians can be stubborn you’ve never met soccer’s world governing body, FIFA. The stodgy, old-school organization has rejected calls for a rematch between France and Ireland after France superstar striker Thierry Henry “stole” a World Cup spot from the Irish on Wednesday night.
Swedish referee Martin Hansson denies the Irish a World Cup berth.
Mr. Henry, by all accounts an honorable player who was once the FIFA player of the year, had this to say about the encounter:
I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball, I am not a cheat and never have been. It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area. I have never denied that the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players, the referee and the media this after the game. Naturally, I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa. There is little more I can do apart from admit that the ball had contact with my hand leading up to our equalizing goal and I feel very sorry for the Irish.
The Football Association of Ireland made a request for a rematch that was roundly rejected by FIFA. The organization should reconsider. It’s good for soccer, FIFA, France and maybe Ireland. If somehow a rematch does take place we predict a 2-1 win for France.
#1 by steven dignam on November 20, 2009 - 5:46 pm
as an irish supporter i really think for the sake of the game. that it should be replayed__maybe we would have lost on penalties but will never no__ i ask all football fans around the world to stand up to fifa and demand we get a fair chance at making it to south africa next year{ THIS IS WRONG } lets do this IRELAND
#2 by bryan on November 20, 2009 - 6:12 pm
This is why NO ONE except France likes France. Ireland won the game, but the referees give the game to France.
#3 by matthew on November 20, 2009 - 6:33 pm
If henry were so"honorable" he would have said something immediately on the pitch, not days later when all chance of a rematch has been squashed by FIFA., we all know france is a more marketable team, but Ireland is the better team, the other game france only score of a deflected shot of a defender and the post , and the it takes an offsides and two hand balls to get this goal. give me a break. Ireland was screwed!
#4 by guest on November 21, 2009 - 8:51 am
FIFA could compriomise by making France and Ireland play the shootout as would have happened within a few minutes if Henry hadn't scored. Also, This would have all been avoided if a booth review system was used like in NHL and NRL and Rugby Union. Not for all fouls just when someone scores and there's doubt.
#5 by Guest on November 21, 2009 - 5:45 pm
What's this"soccer" thing you talk about?
#6 by Mark on November 21, 2009 - 10:58 pm
Absolute disgrace!!!! Fair play? What a joke!
#7 by kate Oakes on November 23, 2009 - 9:18 pm
Shame,Shame, Shame, FIFA . Please have a rematch.
#8 by stephane on December 1, 2009 - 12:46 am
"This is why NO ONE except France likes France. Ireland won the game, but the referees give the game to France."
Really clever. First of all we are the most visited country in the world. It is a fact. Ireland has never been in a position to get qualified but to play a penalty shootout.
I do not say it is a nice thing but what do you believe fans from Georgia have thought after you robbed their victory.
Did you propose to have a new game played ? No. Because this is football and this is life. You should look at your own cheating manners before criticizing.
A french fan
#9 by John on December 2, 2009 - 1:43 am
I am an Irish citizen. I did not like the result of the game in Paris. I did not like the fact that the referee did not see or refused to see Mr. Henry handling the ball. However, the referee's decision is final even if I don't like his final decision. The referee's decision must be final otherwise it challenges every game that's ever been played.
I don't like how France won the game but I congratulate France for qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa.
#10 by John on December 2, 2009 - 1:43 am
I am an Irish citizen. I did not like the result of the game in Paris. I did not like the fact that the referee did not see or refused to see Mr. Henry handling the ball. However, the referee's decision is final even if I don't like his final decision. The referee's decision must be final otherwise it challenges every game that's ever been played.
I don't like how France won the game but I congratulate France for qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa.