Sunday, November 22, 2009

French-Ireland controversial world cup qualifiers match

It was 1-1 on aggregate after 32 minutes of normal time when Ireland striker Robbie Keane struck a goal to level the scores. But disaster for Ireland came on the 103 minutes of extra time when William Gallas struck the goal that brings France to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The manner of the goal furied the Irish and most football fans around the world.
The controversy started when France striker Thierry Henry committing handsball in the Irish penalty box before passing the ball to William Gallas who then turned it into the winning goal.

This handsball controversy reminds people of the Maradona "Hands of God" incident back in the World Cup 1986 quarter-final between Argentina and England,

To the disebelief of Irish goalkeeper and other Irish players on the field the Swedish referee Martin Hansson actually didn't see the incident and allowing the controversial goal.
After the game the culprit Thierry Henry admitted that he did handle the ball and was seemed sorry for his wrongdoing.



The saga then continues off the field. The Irish National coach Giovanni Trappatoni critizes the referee of making a great mistake. Mr. Trap said the referee could've asked Henry if the striker handled the box inside the six-yard box or not. But then again he also aware that there's no use of critizing the ref since he realized that final outcome will stand.

As expected the Irish FA sent an official complain to FIFA asking for a rematxh of the game. But FIFA rejected the idea.
This issue then took centerstage in both countries Ireland and France.
In Ireland most people say they were robbed by the goal and said Ireland were the better that night and think they deserved a rematch.
As for in France the opinion divided in two. Some French support the idea of a rematch but more of them are saying that the result should stand.

The more interesting opinion actually came from two former Manchester United legends -Roy Keane who is an Irish and Eric Cantona who is a French.
Unlike most Irish, Keane actually blaming the Irish team especially goalkeeper Shay Given and his back four for letting the ball being sent into the Irish penalty box.
Meanwhile for Cantona, showing his sympathy for the Irish team and hate against the French striker Thierry Henry. He said he hates watching Henry sitting after the game on the field besides the Irish defender Richard Dunne trying to cheer him up.
Cantona said, if he were the Irish player then Henry wouldn't be sitting next to him for more than three seconds.

So what now?
From what i'm seeing the result will almost definetely stand.
This result though will be a stain that the French team have to cope with in their conquest of winning the 2010 World Cup.
But still no matter how shameful and embarassed the French are showing they will take it anyway.
Because this kind of incidents happened countless times in football.
And it will happen again and again in the future.
It will never end until FIFA which is the highest authority for foorball federation in the world start to use video evidence in the so called beautiful game.
I don't know know what is the exact reason Sepp Blatter rejecting the idea of video evidence into the game. But i surely hope it's not some lame excuse such as keeping the game 'pure'.
Because everyone around the globe saw the most disgraceful act of how the 'beautiful game' turned 'ugly' and doubtfully pure with sportivity...





No comments:

Post a Comment