19 November 2009
23:5133510Okay so I'm not into football at all, but even I have been captivated by the recent hand-ball fiasco between France and Ireland. I saw on one website that Thierry Henry should get into the World Record books for the biggest gang-bang ever, he "single handedly shafted the entire population of Ireland". Another good one I saw suggests it's Karma: "Ireland deserves it. That's what you get for giving the world Jedwood". But the best one by far is "why so surpised? The French have been making a national pass-time of putting their hands up since 1940".
But seriously, I cannot imagine how hurt and betrayed fans must feel. I don't normally give a monkey's about footie and do all I can to avoid it, but even I feel the sense of injustice that Ireland are facing at the moment. Last week we saw a campaign being launched by Ray Winstone about showing more respect to refs, then this happens.
If you're an Ireland fan then you have my sympathy. While I don't share the passion, I do know that people get very passionate about football and this event has made a total mockery of the whole game.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
20 November 2009
07:5633514This is clearly the most shameless CHEAT situation since the infamous 'hand of god' all those years ago when Maradona lobbed the ball into the English net. But even then the English team had made it to the World Cup and took part. Not making it to the World Cup at the last hurdle, by being cheated out of it, as is the case this time, has robbed Ireland, a nation limited in sporting successes, of one of their biggest ever opportunities in Sport on the World stage.
The hugely successful world level French team, who have seen many successes, and normally play such attractive football, have got to the World Finals in South Africa this time by dubious means. One newspaper suggested that the French economy will benefit by £1billion pounds with this win. No doubt that it will. The frenzied World Cup marketing bonanza will now open.
There is much clamour for a replay but its unlikely to happen, as having France in the World Cup is a much better marketing ideal than having a lowly considered Ireland team. However...if God had his way...Ireland would be at the WORLD CUP in S.Africa.
But...The devil won this time!
20 November 2009
08:3133520I loathe football, but on balance I am Irish and OUTRAGED!!!!!!!!! The French should be offering a replay, not defending their limp win. PaulB - the Irish team may be smaller in worldwide stature, but they often make up for that in personal charisma and character. There is marketable stuff in there!!!!!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
20 November 2009
09:2533526I agree and Thierry admitted he had hand-balled and that had won France the game.
A reply should be made.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
20 November 2009
13:0333536absolutely no chance of a replay, it would set a precedent.
players cheat every week, referees make mistakes every week.
i was shocked that a gentleman such as thierry henry could behave in such a way, he never did in the many years he played in england.
so much for the "luck of the irish" though, would have been great for them to play in the finals after the work they have put in under trappatoni.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
20 November 2009
14:1733545Howard
Although FIFA have ruled out any possibility of a replay the World Football Federation haven't so Eire are still in with a chance...even though it may be a small one.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
21 November 2009
12:1033592Fingers crossed on that Marek, as the 'goal' leaves a nasty taste in the mouth, its a very slim chance, I'm sure the referees decision will stand though
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
21 November 2009
21:0133620Now to make myself unpopular !!!!
as a footie ref you will see week in week out mistakes made at all levels of the game, and although this one was costly to s ireland. over the year these decisions do even themselves out,
To allow Ireland a replay would mean you would have to replay every other game in the tournament as im sure there has been ref errors in many other games.
So FIFA or anyone else wont replay it.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
21 November 2009
21:0733622Keith
Its goes further than that the French FA expect to gain 1 billion pounds sterling from qualifying for the World Cup Tournament.Its nothing short of theft and the Irish economy could do with that injection of cash just as much as France.Its time for someone brave to make a decision.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
21 November 2009
21:1533623so we are saying in every game a ref has made a mistake games will be replayed?
cos you will have to go down that line
it will be a nightmare if they do
appeal after appeal
no im sticking to my guns
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
21 November 2009
21:2333624Keith
I think we need to introduce TV replays so a correct decision can be made at the time by the referee therefore eliminating the need for a replay.The Cricket and Rugby refs use it so why not football?
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
21 November 2009
21:2633625Given that many other sports use extremely high-tech equipment to assist the human judgment factor (ie high-speed digital cameras in running, electronic "eyes" in tennis, and so on) why not bring a similar thing to footie to avoid the human error of refs and make the games a bit more fair?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
21 November 2009
21:3233627i am not sure why the football authorities are dragging their heels over this issue of electronic help.
cricket and rugby use it unashamedly, referees and umpires can never be perfect, i think that the majority of them would welcome some outside help.
football gets faster and players get ever more devious.
22 November 2009
01:0933649Agreed - but even so this was clear: the TVs picked it up straight away and it would have been possible to use that to reform the decision.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
22 November 2009
10:3933663that it was i am saying bern, the officials could refer to another official in the stands that is watching on a tv monitor.
