French want Irish perspective

Federation president says qualification is 'beautiful'

By James Riach   Last updated: 20th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

French want Irish perspective

Controversy: Gallas celebrates goal

You have to take a philosophical approach to this match. Football is played on small details, however, qualification is still beautiful

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French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes says the Republic of Ireland must move on from their World Cup heartache.

The Republic were beaten 2-1 in their two-legged qualifier against France on Wednesday after a highly controversial goal in extra time broke Irish hearts in Paris.

Thierry Henry blatantly handballed in the area as he set up William Gallas to head into an empty net, but referee Martin Hansson allowed the goal to stand despite the protests of the visitors.

Escalettes praised the Irish team for taking the game right down to the wire, however, although he said he understood their frustration, thinks they should move on from the incident.

"We were stunned and were not able to develop our game - I understand that the Irish are frustrated," he told French newspaper L'Equipe.

"They must forget this evening and use it for the future.

"You have to take a philosophical approach to this match. Football is played on small details, however, qualification is still beautiful."

The controversial goal sparked mass protests from the Republic ranks and France striker Henry has even admitted that he handled the ball, although he insists it was accidental.

Despite Escalettes calling for Giovanni Trapattoni's side to move on, the incident is sure to remain lodged in Irish minds as they outplayed France and fully deserved to earn a place in South Africa next year.

Assistant manager Liam Brady has called the refereeing decision 'shameful', while a number of players have also hit out at the official's error.

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Comments (1)

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Ben Mercer (Manchester United fan) says...

easy for him to say, it's his national team that benefitted from the cheat and, as a result, qualify for the world cup where they wil undoubtedly have a terribly dull run before being eliminated by one of the underdogs. ironic though if they're knocked out by a dive or a handball - looks like that's the only way justice will be done. 1) replay the game 2) bring in video evidence for when play has stopped 3) retrospective punishment for Henry. he may have admitted the offense, but then had the nerve to say it was an accident - complete farse.

Posted 18:06 19th November 2009
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