Keane - Get over it

Ipswich boss bemused by furore over World Cup play-off

Last updated: 20th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Roy Keane has issued a typically bullish retort to those who feel Republic of Ireland deserve a replay following their controversial World Cup play-off defeat to France.

Fifa have ruled against the Football Association of Ireland's appeal to have Wednesday's second leg in Paris replayed on the grounds France's equaliser on the night, which sent them through 2-1 on aggregate, came via a clear handball from Thierry Henry before he set up William Gallas.

Keane, never a man to mince his words, has precious little sympathy as feels Ireland have only themselves to blame for missed opportunities over the two games. The FAI, and in particular chief executive John Delaney, remain personae non gratae in Keane's eyes.

"I've been amazed by the commotion over the past few days. I think of course Henry handled it but I'd focus on why they didn't clear it," Keane told Sky Sports News.

"I'd be more annoyed with my goalkeeper and defenders than Thierry Henry. How can you let a ball bounce in the six yard box? How can you let Henry get goal-side of you? If the ball bounces in the six yard bounce I'd be saying 'where the hell is my goalkeeper?'"

Asked whether he had sympathy for Ireland's players he said: "No. Not one bit.

"You look over the course of the campaign and Ireland had the chances of over the two games, they never took them.

"They never performed in the first game. I heard a few interviews after the game where the manager said that none of the players got booked. Maybe that was the problem. They stood off France, the second leg we had opportunities to score but didn't take them.

"They weren't mentally strong enough. All these players can complain all they want. France are going to the World Cup - get over it."

Run-ins

Keane, who throughout his playing days with the national side had numerous run-ins with the FAI, has been forthright again in his criticism of the organisation.

"Usual FAI reaction: 'we've been robbed, the honesty of the game...'

"In one of the earlier group games, I think it was against Georgia, Ireland got a penalty. It was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen. It changed the course of the game. Robbie (Keane) scored a penalty and Ireland went on to win it. I don't remember the FAI after the game saying 'I think we should give them a replay'."

Keane continued his withered tirade by pinpointing FAI chief Delaney as being a figure who deserves only disdain. The Ipswich boss fell out with Delaney after he decided to quit Ireland's World Cup campaign in 2002 following a bust-up with then manager Mick McCarthy.

"John Delaney? He's on about honesty and integrity. I wouldn't take any notice of that man.

"People forget the last time I was at the World Cup in 2002. People seem to forget what was going on at that World Cup. I was one of the players, he didn't have the courtesy to ring me. He got interviewed and all he said was 'I don't know where he is'.

"I'd been with Ireland since I was 15 years of age and that man didn't even have the decency to ring me. He could have phoned me, tried the hotel room.

Honesty

"And he's on about the honesty of the game."

The failure of the match officials to spot Henry's handball has led to renewed calls for video technology to be introduced but while agreeing with the idea in principle, Keane is loath to join those campaigning for a replay.

"They should have cleared it, they should have cleared the ball. Where were the defenders? The ball bounced in the six-yard box.

"We've had this discussion before, we all agree with that. There is no getting away from it, but this idea that Ireland were robbed and deserved a replay, no.

"I think the Irish supporters probably deserve better, the manager, probably most of the players deserve it.

"But I don't think the FAI deserve better. What goes around comes around."

Keane concluded by offering his support to Henry, with the outspoken Irishman of the opinion there are far worse perpetrators of cheating in the game than the Frenchman.

"I think it was instinctive. I think sometimes you go for the ball, stick your hand out, leg, whatever it might be. Would I call him a cheat? No, I don't think so. I think he bent the rules but we are seeing cheating in games all the time, players diving.

"When I'm asked about it, I say the game is full of it."

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Comments (51)

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Peter Jones (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...

Keane was right about pretty much everything he complained to the FAI about, he was NOT right to walk out on his country when we needed him the most. He showed in his interview what a petty man he is, winging about John Delaney not phoning him when he ran off sulking!! I'm not saying that the FAI are perfect (far from it) but there is a time and a place to voice your concerns and it¿s not at the world cup finals. "Get over it" he says and he's still banging on about his treatment 7years ago!! How come none of the other players in the squad walked away Roy?? As for the penalty decision in the Georga game, that¿s a totally different scenario. If we didn't get that peno we would have drawn the game and still come second in the group the Henry incident was far more blatant and cost us a place in the World cup. For the people who tell Irish fans to get on with it, do ye think it¿s better to just shut up and put up with an unjust decision like this or make some noise and let FIFA know that football fans won't put up with thin kind of cheating. Most Irish fans know we won¿t get a replay at this stage but we should keep making noise about this. It¿s an absolute disgrace that Blatter and co can get away with making up rules as they go to suit teams like France. Even if we get video refereeing from this we will have made a difference.

Posted 10:53 21st November 2009

Dave Robb (Manchester United fan) says...

A typical chip on the shoulder comment from an unpleasant man who walked out on Ireland when they needed him most. He has already quit Sunderland when the going got tough and he is probably getting ready to do the same to Ipswich. Keane was an unpleasant man who happened to be a great footballer. Now that the great footballing ability is gone all that is left is the unpleasant man.

Posted 09:10 21st November 2009

Jack Button (Leeds United fan) says...

I think roy is right, i do feel that ireland were robbed and i do feel ever so sorry for them because they were the better side BUT ireland had plenty of chances to score in the game and if they had took their chances this incident never would have happened. I believe roy has the same views on cheating as Mr. martin o'neil, martin was asked on his views on diving in the 2006 world cup and he said "If one of my players dived in the final at 0-0 and won us the game, i would have congrateulated him, if he dived when we were winning 3-0 i would have gave him a telling off and a fine."

Posted 07:53 21st November 2009

Mike Morris (Liverpool fan) says...

Roy Keane!!! Such a patriotic guy!!! Thats why he walked out on the squad at the world cup!!! Thinks about himself and thats it!!! And obviously doing such a good job at Ipswich!!! NOT!!!

Posted 06:24 21st November 2009

Gary Lee (Chelsea fan) says...

I think Roy was more or less right. There really is no point in arguing, the game is over and there was no way FIFA would replay the game. I would think mainly due to the precedent it would set, just thinking of betting scams etc. As for video technology it will never happen, what should become widespread is UEFA's system of an extra official at either end.

Posted 03:39 21st November 2009

B C (Arsenal fan) says...

Keane needed a phone call from Delaney? How bout you get over it Roy! Bottom line we were the better team and did more than enough warrant penalties. But we didn't get that chance because of a terrible ref's decision. This wasn't a marginal thing it was as blatant as they come, we have to remember that. Best of luck with Ipswich Roy, we'll see how you react when a similar decision goes against ye! We all know how you love a moan!

Posted 03:27 21st November 2009

The will Mc (Manchester United fan) says...

There is no doubt Henry cheated , and there is no doubt Ireland were robbed , but what Keano has said is true about the game and what needs to be done . Video replay is a nescessity in this modern game of football. Ireland lost millions in revenue because of this poor officiating and the game lost respect due to FIFAS non involvance , but do they DESERVE a replay ? i'm not so sure now. Keanos correct in many of the things that he said , there is cheating in EVERY game of football , but until FIFA or UEFA change the rules about replays , Ireland deserve no more than any other team that has been "hard done by" due to poor referreeing and unfortunatley ,thats NOTHING ... And keano has every right to be bitter , it was disgraceful how he was treated by the FAI

Posted 03:27 21st November 2009

John W (Crystal Palace fan) says...

I agree with Roy Keane on this issue. If Robbie Keane didn't have 2 right feet they might have been taking penalties to decide this match on the night. They should have taken their chances and put this match to bed. Had it been Ireland who scored their winner in this way, everyone would have been saying; stuff the French!!!

Posted 03:25 21st November 2009

Robert L (Manchester United fan) says...

Short memories here guys, Anyone remember Maradona (The hand of God) goal! of course you do! FiIFA would not entertain that match being replayed and that was the Final. I also remember on the National News that night showing the Irish in pubs & clubs all over Dublin & Cork celebrating that England lost to Argentina!!! HAND Ball or not. So slap it up to you VIVA LA FRANCE

Posted 20:44 20th November 2009

Mickey Mcgowan (Manchester United fan) says...

Thats cheap coming from keane the man who runs away when things get rough How can u call yourself an Irish man when all you do is bring us down when ever you get a chance. Fact, he cheated us out of a world cup spot.. Maybe you don't see it that way but thats what happened. Open your eyes Roy.S'pose you'll not be first Cork man to run when the going gets tough...are you related to De Valera???

Posted 20:29 20th November 2009

Pete Flynn (Accrington Stanley fan) says...

I believe Roy was wrong to turn his back on his country when they needed him. I believe he was correct in standing his ground in what he believed was wrong with the FAI I believe what he has said regard the replay is also correct, it shouldn¿t happen within the present rules. I believe him going on about what happed in the past and linking it to what happened in this game is irrelevant. Ireland were cheated out of the world cup as were England against Argentina. Thierry Henry is a cheat Maradona is a cheat. England fans may well have trashed Paris, thank god the Irish fans don¿t behave or respond to incidents such as these, as a minority of other fans may have responded. SO WHAT! The Irish fans behaved in an honourable manner even when they were blatantly knocked out by a cheat this should be a pointer in the way the people at the FAI should respond. Don¿t lower themselves, their morals or dignity, live with it. LET FIFA do the talking let them explain the rights and wrongs of the game they run LET them set the standards the morals and the rules. Had FIFA set the rules for this type of blatant cheating when Maradona cheated England out of the world cup Henry may not have attempted to act in such a way? Even had he done so and been caught like he has, the outcome would not be in debate, we would know. And don¿t we all now know that it is worthwhile to cheat an opponent even if you get caught doing so! As I see it at the moment although Henry has been caught out to be a cheat, he will be seen as a hero by many in France they will believe he has done nothing more than bend the rules.....so what. The French FA will accept the embarrassment and accept the place in South Africa. The Irish fans are cheated, the world cup will miss out on some brilliant fans, and the rest of the worlds FA's will stand by and watch FIFA do NAFF ALL AGAIN! NO REPLAY- FRANCE OUT IRELAND IN Future Cheats warned

Posted 20:23 20th November 2009

Paul Lordan (Manchester United fan) says...

Roy is right again, everyone is so eager to kick him when he is down, he has given Ireland, Manchester United and football in general, excellent service. More than me and all of the other mere mortals on this site, Keane has the insight, experience and intelligence to have his opinion valued. The game should not be replayed, thats life, thats sport! Unlucky. The defending was poor. Play the whistle is a simple mantra taught to children who play the game, Ireland should have cleared the ball and assuming that the handball would be blown is not a viable excuse. Also, Saipan was travesty in which Irelands bufoon like football bureaucrats sabotaged a world cup, which the nation wished to savour. keane did not walk out, he was sent home. People who say otherwise are misrepresneting the facts. This "initiative" was spearheaded by John Delaney. SAIPAN SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! To surmise, once again there are no untruths from Roy, only bitter people who refuse to aknowledge is ability to call it like it is.

Posted 20:18 20th November 2009

Ali Shakeel (Manchester United fan) says...

What a legend Roy Keane is! The first person who speaks total sense!

Posted 19:53 20th November 2009

Dave Davis (Palermo fan) says...

Spot on Roy, stop crying over spilt milk ireland and get on with it! France took there chance and your lot couldnt hit a barn door frm ten yards!! As for Henry, a true legend and look on the bright side,hes saved you a wasted trip to South Africa.

Posted 18:13 20th November 2009

Kevin Corcoran (Manchester United fan) says...

Roy Keane's freefall from grace continues as week after week he goes out simply to upset people. The media are just laughing at him because he is mentally unable to refrain from probing questions that are hoping for controversy. I used to respect him so much as a player and that was only a few years ago, and now, sorry Ipswich fans, I just want his teams to lose. He doesn't belong in football anymore.

Posted 17:14 20th November 2009

Noreen Metcalfe (Stranraer fan) says...

Another sad day in Irish football history. It has left a lot of us Irish herart broken. But alas,you know what they say in France, "Tant pis!" (too bad) But as for Roy Keane - what can I say? He has taken the heat off Handy Henry and turned it on to himself!! So pull yer tights up Roy! Stop acting like an awl doll with wet knickers and sort out your own team first before you go casting the first stone! (Had to pick Stranraer as my fav team as SKY SPORTS didn't bother to put the N.Ireland league in - Stranraer is the closest !!)

Posted 17:03 20th November 2009

Damien Collins (Ipswich Town fan) says...

This is the same Roy Keane who has undone all the good work done by Jim Magilton at Ipswich, whose defense now has more leaks than the titanic. This man is dillusional, and this another example of how Roy Keane is now nothing more than media darling craving constant attention!!

Posted 17:00 20th November 2009

Chris Mason (Sunderland fan) says...

Good for you Keano tell it as it is ,Trappatoni needs to reflect on his arrogence as to why he picks sub standard players and refused to to include (probably the most improved footballer in the premiership this season) Andy Reid ,Daryl Murphy and Paul McShane in his starting eleven . I have the greatest respect for the Irish people but their world cup place should have been secured long before Wednesday . A message to Roy, the Mackems still love you and the best of luck with Ipswich.

Posted 16:51 20th November 2009

Richard Young (Manchester United fan) says...

Why are the words of this bitter and twisted individual still reported? He's managing a Championship team struggling to stave off relegation, he deserted his country when they needed him most and has a record of walking away from a job when the pressure comes on. Who's interested in what he has to say?

Posted 16:32 20th November 2009

Michael Mulhall (Arsenal fan) says...

I have to laugh at all the english people on the football blogs slagging the FAI for wanting a replay if this would of happened to england there be hell to pay and there fans would of destroyed paris that night.

Posted 13:17 20th November 2009
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