Doyle devastated by decision

Republic striker brands officials 'embarrassing' following controversy

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Kevin Doyle has hinted that the presence of French president of Uefa Michel Platini may have counted against Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off elimination in Paris.

The Irish missed out on a place at the 2010 finals after France grabbed a 1-1 draw at the Stade de France to seal an aggregate success after Thierry Henry blatantly handled in the build-up to Les Bleus' equaliser on the night.

Republic striker Doyle believes the failure of match officials to spot the incident was humiliating and feels he and his team-mates, who faced France after Uefa decided to seed the play-offs, always had their work cut out in Paris.

"It is an obvious handball. I don't know about the referee not seeing, but the linesman had as good a view as anyone on the pitch," he told Sky Sports News.

"It is just embarrassing seeing that up close."

He added: "I'm sure if we had done the same thing, it would have been seen by the officials.

Difficult

"It is difficult. We are playing in Paris in front of a big French crowd. The president of Uefa is here and it is just difficult for us to get.

"I suppose it is a 50/50 decision. It's just not on. I think he has caught it and pulled it back on."

Robbie Keane had put Ireland ahead in the first half before Henry handled to allow Gallas to score a decisive equaliser in extra-time to hand France a 2-1 aggregate win.

But while he is devastated by the defeat, Doyle does not blame Henry for his actions.

He said: "It is just instinctive on his (Henry's) behalf, but it is that obvious that I'm sure he expected the free-kick straight away.

"I don't blame him as much as how it's not seen to be honest."

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