Thierry Henry getting a pasting on Twitter & Facebook

[JeremyJacobs]

Poor Ireland

[Cookie]

Oh I'm sure its not exclusive or confined to just those two sites JJ. Shocking though I agree!

[JeremyJacobs]

Oh I'm sure its not exclusive or confined to just those two sites JJ. Shocking though I agree!

 

Watch France bomb out in the qualifying stage next year.

[Dutch_Mike]

The Irish were indeed cheated out of a World Cup spot, but then why is anyone surprised? It's how the game is played on the continent, unfortunately. And with the influx of foreign 'stars' over here, it has wormed its way more and more into the English game: diving, trying to get players sent off, blatant handballs. It has no place in the sport.

 

Having said that, from an English point of view, I'd rather France be at the World Cup than Ireland, simply because I think a full-strength English team would turn the French over comfortably - they are a very average team. Ireland, IMO, would have proved a tougher test for us.

 

Surely it can't be long before video-evidencing is provided in such high-profile games, especially when a country's World Cup spot is at stake?

[StuyRandall]

I'm not sure video referals would be a good thing for football. The referees make so many mistakes, even at the top levels of the sport, but with the way things are now the players / teams / fans etc have to respect the referees decision whether it is right or wrong. But if you bring in video referals or whatever you want to call it, all of the referees mistakes will be broadcast to the players during the match and the players will lose respect for all of the referee's decisions, especially if he makes several mistakes in one game...

 

 

[JeremyJacobs]

I'm not sure video referals would be a good thing for football. The referees make so many mistakes, even at the top levels of the sport, but with the way things are now the players / teams / fans etc have to respect the referees decision whether it is right or wrong. But if you bring in video referals or whatever you want to call it, all of the referees mistakes will be broadcast to the players during the match and the players will lose respect for all of the referee's decisions, especially if he makes several mistakes in one game...

 

 

I posted this earlier today La France - I tend to agree with Stuy, I really hope video "evidence" or similar never enters the game.

 

[Broadstairs Dave]

Very embarrassing for the French nation I expect this will be last we see of Mr Henry on the international stage. as said earlier with this disgrace hanging over them its an early exit from the world cup finals. they have lost more than they have gained.

[JeremyJacobs]

Very embarrassing for the French nation I expect this will be last we see of Mr Henry on the international stage. as said earlier with this disgrace hanging over them its an early exit from the world cup finals. they have lost more than they have gained.

 

The whole affair leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

[freefred]

In his defense, how many of us wouldn't have tried the same thing. He admitted after the game it was handball, unlike a certain South American, and was honest in saying he thought the ref would have seen it. I know we all hate cheating and we all say we wouldnt do it, but if a Margate player did the same thing in a promotion play off final, and was not spotted by the ref, would we be screaming blue murder and demanding the match be replayed? I know I'm gonna get condemned for saying this, but I have been thinking about it a lot.

 

Do I wish it hadnt happened? Yes of course I do.

Do I feel really bad for Ireland for a losing a tie they didnt deserve to? Yes of course i do.

Do I think I would condem a Margate player for doing the same thing? No I dont think I would.

 

Forget the hysteria, forget the fact he's French (Wow that was hard to say). Be honest with yourselves. If he played for my team and he got away with it, would I be calling for his head????????

[Hornet]

He could hardly deny it could he?

[Iris's Tea Hut]

I see what you're saying Hornet, but as FF says, if that was a Margate player, would it be acceptable for him to do the same because there are no TV cameras there, and therefore he can get away with denying it.

 

Don't get me wrong, it takes the sport out of sport which is wrong, but I think we are being idealists here by wanting this irradicated.

 

No matter how inept referees are at times, they must always have the final say. Therefore if he gives the goal, it should stand. But I certainly don;'t think there is anything wrong with banning the player (fining is pointless), or removing his registartion so he cannot play for club or country for a period. And start off with 5 years for being French. Add another five for being a gooner.

[I am Spartacus]

Oh comeon stop all this anti Henry stuff afterall he does share his birthday with me and Robin Trott so that must make for some credit.

 

Also if I was in the same situation as he was I would have had no hesitation in doing what he did. If I was his manager I would also have expected him to do it.

 

Playing the good old English by the rules way does not win you anything.

 

Finally lets not lose all perspective the French did deserve to win the tie overall and it was only the Irish who lost.

 

 

(Now ducks for cover from politically correct Irish loving English insurgents).

 

 

[coupwotcoup]

Why all the fuss over a game between two republics, whose borders we don't share?

I am sure there must of been one or two controversial incidents in the other three play-offs, but of course we treat the republic known as Ireland as some kind of adopted son.

Can't remember too many column inches written about Michael Owen twice going down in instalments against Argentina in two World Cups.

[JeremyJacobs]

Why all the fuss over a game between two republics, whose borders we don't share?

I am sure there must of been one or two controversial incidents in the other three play-offs, but of course we treat the republic known as Ireland as some kind of adopted son.

Can't remember too many column inches written about Michael Owen twice going down in instalments against Argentina in two World Cups.

 

Last time I looked, the Northern Irish border (which is part of the UK) separates us from the Republic of Ireland.