Thierry Admits Hand Ball In Winning Goal

[Zeppo]

French hand-wringing over dubious win

For a nation not particularly known for its moral qualms - it once hailed a head-butting footballer as a hero - the French feel surprisingly chastened about their questionable qualification for next year's World Cup.

Reactions to Thierry Henry's handball, which led to the goal that sent the national team to the South African finals at the expense of the hapless Irish, have ranged from embarrassment to outrage.

The incident in Wednesday's game has been commented on in newspapers, on websites, and in cafes up and down France.

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[Dunny]

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has revealed his support for Thierry Henry in the wake of the France striker's controversial handball.
Henry set up the goal that secured victory for Les Bleus in their World Cup play-off against Republic of Ireland earlier this month.
The goal should have been disallowed after Henry used his hand to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to head home.
Henry admitted after the game that it was handball but he has received fierce criticism for his actions and for not telling the referee immediately.
Blatter has now broken his silence over the incident, with L'Equipe newspaper reporting that he phoned Henry following the match to offer his backing.
"(Henry) was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee," the French newspaper quotes Blatter as saying.
"The referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."

[No Mercy]

What the hell where was the linesman and the referee. He is not the 1st doing this and getting away with it. I don't like any of these so called strikers except Messi and Rooney.

Drogba - dive too much.

Ronaldo - complain too much

Ayebor manchester city - Deserve a red card in every match he plays.



What the hell blatter is out of the comma already.

Having more referee or more match officials on each half?

The best option is 4 linesman, 1 referee and at least 2 tv monitor review personnel for activity in the penalty area.

I blame the referee because that ball was hands about 4 times by France.