Trap rejects quit talks

Boss still seething at injustice, but quit talks are inaccurate

Last updated: 21st November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Trap rejects quit talks

Trapattoni (centre): With dejected Irish players

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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will not quit football over the Thierry Henry handball controversy.

The France striker handled the ball as he set up William Gallas to score the goal which sent Les Bleus to next summer's World Cup, harshly ending Ireland's South Africa dream.

The unjust refereeing decision is the second high profile incident in recent memory for Trapattoni, who endured similar injustice while in charge of his native Italy.

Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno officiated during Italy's 2-1 second-round defeat to South Korea in the 2002 World Cup for which he later admitted Trapattoni's side were wronged during the match.

However, despite speculation the 70-year-old may give up on the sport, Trapattoni has vowed to honour his contract with the Republic.

"The doubt does emerge," Trapattoni said when asked if he will continue in football, "but I don't give up.

"It took me years to forget about Moreno, but I don't give up. In the spring I will start to prepare for the European qualification.

Dream

"I have a dream - to take part in the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. It could be the end of a journey."

The Irish appealed to Fifa to have a replay of the encounter with Henry himself admitting that would be a fair outcome, but football's world governing body reiterated on Friday that there will be no replay.

Trapattoni further vented his fury at Fifa in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I would like to know what have I done to (Sepp) Blatter," Trapattoni said.

"If he explains it to me at least I would be calm. I often go to schools and speak of fair play. Perhaps I am a dreamer.

"Fifa has violated the rules imposing top seeded teams in the play-offs. It's treachery.

"I think even (UEFA president Michel) Platini was against this revolution."

Trapattoni continues to play Wednesday's events over and over in his mind, still struggling to accept how such a poor decision could be made at international level.

"There's this double handball from Henry on Gallas' goal and on top of that (Sebastien) Squillaci was offside," Trapattoni said.

"It's murder. Even a blind man would have seen the double handball by Henry. The linesman was on line as the images show and he had perfect vision."

Technology support

Trapattoni put forward his support for technology to be introduced into the game and questioned referee Martin Hansson's integrity when making the decision.

"I am certain that Mr Hansson was in contact with the fourth official and to those who were looking at the images in slow motion.

"Why, when he understood that he had made a mistake, did he not change his mind? I think the time has come to have TV replays for these extreme cases.

"In 30 seconds you avoid colossal errors."

The Italian also questioned governing body Fifa's decision to put Hansson in charge of such a big game when he feels there were better options available.

"Fifa has done a great job," he said sarcastically of the decision to put Hansson in charge.

"For France v Ireland, you needed a top referee, instead they have sent a Hansson nobody."