Tags:
Journalism of Courage
France captain Thierry Henry has agreed a replay against Ireland would be the fairest solution to the controversy surrounding the teams World Cup playoff. The striker handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallass goal in Wednesdays 1-1 second-leg draw in Paris,earning France a 2-1 aggregate win and sending them through to next years finals in South Africa.
Henrys statement was issued after world soccers governing body FIFA rejected the Football Association of Irelands appeal to replay the match.
I am not a cheat and never have been, said Henry. It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area. I have never denied the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players,the referee and the media this after the game.
Irish captain Robbie Keane,who scored his teams goal in Paris,responded by issuing his own statement. On behalf of the Republic of Ireland players,I would like to thank Thierry Henry for his statement, he said. As captain of the French team,to make such a statement took courage and honour,and all of us recognise that. As captain of the Republic of Ireland team,I would also be happy for a replay to happen in the interest of fair play so that whichever team qualifies,can do so with their heads held high.
Arsene Wenger,Henrys former manager at Arsenal,agreed. France has to say yes it was a handball and we offer a replay, he said. It is embarrassing to qualify the way we qualified. We want to beat Ireland properly and that didnt happen.
