Dermot Ahern Demands all French Have Hands Removed
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Well not really, but he does want a replay after the abomination of a handball by Thierry Henry last night.
Mr Ahern, a passionate soccer fan, called for Fifa to be called to account in the interests of fair play. “They probably won’t grant it as we are minnows in world football but let’s put them on the spot,” the minister said.
“It’s the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you will win.”
…
“Henry has admitted handling the ball, claims he told the ref he handled it,” Mr Ahern said. “Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball – not to mention a double offside – and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of Fifa on the spot and demand a replay.”
In the 6 weeks since Lisbon passed, a European court has banned crucifixes in Italian schools and a supra-national organisation (UEFA/FIFA) has badly let Ireland down in the international arena, albeit a sporting one — but one in which there was a cost to being a small nation.
If the Lisbon vote was tomorrow, would it still pass?
Thought the French expertise was in cutting off heads, but which stage hands are not much use anyway, but never mind…
I’m not a soccer fan but when that discgraceful incident happened last night it seemed to me that it was just the last act in a game in which the French had been given a lot of latitude already by the referree. FIFA want France in South Africa; not Ireland. But that’s just sour grapes on my part – these things happen in sport, as in life, don’t they? Still, the FAI should beat the doors down demanding a replay – even if they don’t get anywhere it’s not right to let this pass without protest.
@P O’Neill: Erm, that’s something of a non-sequitur, isn’t it?
In sports, anything is allowed.
As we found out last night.
I’m french and i feel ashamed.
Ashamed by what happened during the game, but even more by what happened and have been said after.
I feel ashamed Domenech and Sarkozy act as if everything is normal,
ashamed Henry said “I touched the ball but i’m not the referee”,
ashamed none of our executive in France proposed to replay.
What Henry’s done and said is “Steal, cheat, rap, lie. As soon as justice/referee don’t catch you, that’s allowed”
Fortunately, many french people share my views.
@ Veronica, IE lost not because of Henry hands, but due to Keane, or thanks to our goalkeeper. Honestly, referee has been very bad on the goal, for the rest, pretty ok.
“They ” were on Joe Duffy today saying we never shudda voted for Lisbon
Now we know the most important event affectiong this country in recent times is putting a cheating hand on a ball. Alll the politicians are jumping up and down demanding a replay.
Forget about the collapse in the economy, the budget, NAMA, etc etc.
No one is looking for a replay over the cheating hand on the economy over the last ten years.
So what’s happening this Tuesday then?
Fabien,
Have to agree with you – French goalkeeper was superb; really brilliant saves over both play-off games. Displayed a great attitude and team spirit as well. I reckon he’s about the best thing going for the French team right now. But it’s a pity for sport in general, and the World Cup in particular, that the Paris game was won on a cheat. Leaves a sour taste in the mouth and makes the ‘little country’ feel victimised.
And, oh dear, don’t we just love parading ourselves as ‘victims’ at every turn…
Veronica,
I do not consider football like a sport for a long time, that’s business, and there is no place for fair play and spirit in business, unfortunately.
That’s why this Paris game means more than a simple football game, it tells about mediocrity around us.
Fortunately, International rugby season is starting… and your ‘little country’, who’s 2009 European champion will meet our guys soon…
In rugby, we’re the little country, the one feeling victimised, when playing this game “designed for Anglo-Saxon, managed by Anglo-Saxon where Anglo-Saxon are favored.”
Fabien,
You’re winding me up! “In rugby, we’re the little country…” I guess that’s why it took us ten years, or thereabouts, to beat France in a Six Nations fixture, or why the French beat the world champions, South Africa, last weekend, or why the French games in any rugby competition are the most eagerly anticipated for the flair and style that’s so consistently on display.
And, by the way, I wouldn’t altogether agree with you that there’s no place for fair play in business, or any other field of human endeavour. The only thing that brings out my own ruthless streak is when I see people acting as bullies or cheats or liars, whether it’s in sport, business or politics, I don’t much care.