Arsenal

Aston Villa

Birmingham

Blackburn

Bolton

Burnley

Chelsea

Everton

Fulham

Hull

Liverpool

Man City

Man Utd

Portsmouth

Stoke

Sunderland

Tottenham

West Ham

Wigan

Wolves

Homepage /
News /
FAI lodge official replay request with FIFA

hello

FAI lodge official replay request with FIFA

2009-11-19 - Added by ExtraFootie

The Football Association of Ireland has lodged an official complaint with FIFA asking for their World Cup play-off second leg match with France to be replayed.

However, Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has acknowledged there is little chance that his side's clash with Les Bleus , which was marred and ultimately decided by a Thierry Henry handball, will be replayed.

The veteran Italian coach watched in horror as Henry paddled a Florent Malouda free-kick as it run towards the byline with his left hand before setting up William Gallas' equaliser in extra-time, which was amazingly allowed to stand.

Barcelona striker Henry's official line on the incident is that he did handle the ball, but not deliberately, preferring that before he knew it, Malouda's free-kick had struck his outstretched arm, and the rest is history.

Trapattoni bemoaned the fact that a replay was not a possibility, but demanded an explanation for FIFA's choice of officials, and suggested that in future, such second-leg ties should go straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.

"We know it will be impossible for the game against France to be replayed," he told SkySports.

"I would only like to say I would like Fifa to explain how they selected the referee for this important game. For this important game we needed a stronger referee - an important referee.

"I would give the advice to Fifa - maybe in the future change the rules about the play-off. Play two games and at the end of 90 minutes - no extra-time."

Meanwhile, Ireland centurion Kevin Kilbane, defender Sean St Ledger and assistant boss Liam Brady have all called for the match to be replayed, with Arsenal legend Brady affirming that it was only fair, in line with 'the dignity and integrity of football'.

"Well, I'd like to think it would be replayed and I think everyone in the squad would like it replayed," said Hull City left-back Kilbane.

Brady, meanwhile was more Churchillian in his view: "For the dignity and integrity of football, we will go to France and play again."

"Sepp Blatter goes on about fair play - let him reflect on what happened last night.

"Where is football going if a team is cheated out of fair play? Where are we going if this decision stands?"

World Cup 2010

Share on

Send this article to your friend

Other news

Beckham: I'll play until I'm 40!
13-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Blanc to replace Domenech as France coach?
11-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Capello highest paid coach at World Cup finals
11-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Capello dreams of England v Italy World Cup final
11-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Carrick & Fletcher back Owen for World Cup spot
10-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
VIDEO: Waddle's Italia '90 penalty was destined for top corner!
10-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Hughton: Harper should be England No.1!
09-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
England fans to be housed next to lions at World Cup!
08-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
VIDEO: Le Tissier offers England his spot-kick expertise
08-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie
Defoe: Spain the team to beat at World Cup
08-12-2009 - Added by ExtraFootie

Add a comment

Why should you create a supporter's profile?

Join other supporters of your favourite club
Add your own news
Add your own photo's or videos
Create or join a supporter's group
React to the latest news in the forums

... and win great prizes in the Fan Shop!

comments (4)

2009-11-20 - Added by Rollyz
Supporter of Arsenal

Yes, but where do you draw the line between Football not "being perfect" and Football never being perfect???

If we said and left everything as Not perfect and did not try to perfect it - there would be chaos -

the point is that unless we eliminate or SEEK TO eliminate things like Henry's actions, the game we love will always have scandals, contain cheaters and rob some players of their dreams.

I suppose you Uggs turned a blind eye to the whole Italy 2006 Match-fixing scandal - I can imagine you - "leave it out!!!"

Where's your moral compass???

Report Abuse

2009-11-19 - Added by ugly loser
Supporter of West Ham

Hey i can't help it if im one of the few people who are willing to be completely honest about my views on these things. If Rooney took a dive to get a penalty to win England the world cup would the whole of England be ashamed or would they celebrate like crazy? I suspect it would be the latter. Football aint perfect, it never will be. Just embrace it for what it is rather than having this huge moral outrage that a player cheated to win a tie for his country. Just my view,i think its a valid one.

Report Abuse

2009-11-19 - Added by Rollyz
Supporter of Arsenal

Nonsense uggs - you said, "this stuff happens in football" - what that is like saying Maradona's Hand of God just happens; its football!

What have we come to that ppl and fans like you (obviously in the minority) look away from cheating!!!

You also said: "If an Irish player cheated and got us to the world cup I for one wouldn't complain."

Unbelievable!!!

Where is your moral compass?

Report Abuse

2009-11-19 - Added by ugly loser
Supporter of West Ham

I'm getting a little embarrassed by the fuss we're making over this match. Yes it was handball and yes we may have gone through if Henry hadn't cheated but this kinda stuff happens in football,ya just have to get on with it.

And in defence to Henry i think any player would have done what he did, if an Irish player cheated and got us to the world cup i for one wouldn't complain.

Report Abuse