So it appears that you are now able to control the ball with your hand, in an important game such as a World Cup play-off 2nd leg which is deep in to extra time, in able to score an outrageous goal to knock out the very unlucky Irish. The “Goal” has certainly thrown up quite a bit of controversy already, with Henry claiming he told the ref it hit his hand. When was this? In the players bar after the game when watching highlights with him? I must admit I’m loving some of the Irish players comments regarding the politics behind qualification for the World Cup..
“Fifa will probably be happy,” added Dunne. “Yet again the big decisions have gone for the bigger team. – From BBC Sport website
Robbie Keane hit out at the presidents of FIFA and UEFA following the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit, claiming they would be “delighted” that France had gone through thanks to a hugely controversial winning goal. – Virgin Media site
He told BBC Radio Five Live: “They’re all probably clapping hands, Platini sitting up there on the phone to Sepp Blatter, probably texting each other, delighted with the result.” – Virgin Media site
The main thing tho was FIFA’s shocking decision to change the play-off from an open draw, where 2 big teams could play each other, to a seeded draw. This appeared to have been made when Germany, France and Portugal looked to be heading for the play-offs. YES I know people wanna watch the World Cup with the best players from around the world, but why should they be given special treatment, if they can’t win their group? I really do feel for the Irish after the play-off change and the blatant double handball last night. All that aside, I thought it was off-side when the free-kick was thrown into the box, so it’s a double-whammy! I think this comment says it all…
“They probably won’t grant it as we are minnows in world football but let’s put them (Fifa) on the spot,”
Absolute cheats! Henry should have told the ref straight away! xxx
It makes you lose faith in football. In an event as important as this, why could thousands of people in the stadium and millions around the world see it was clearly a handball, yet the referee, the most important bloke on the pitch, had no idea until after the game?
I think the French FA ought to offer to replay the game but you can bet your ass they won’t.
FIFA got what they wanted.