Fans call for play-off replay

Fifa set precedent for playing qualifiers again due to errors

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fans call for play-off replay

Handled: Henry controls the ball with his hand before setting up Williiam Gallas

It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you will win.

Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern
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Football fans from around the globe have deluged Sky Sports to call for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off with France to be replayed.

Robbie Keane's first-half goal in Paris had sent the match into additional time with the aggregate scores locked at 1-1, but in extra-time Thierry Henry handled in the box to set-up William Gallas to head home the winner.

But Ireland - and their fans - have been left seething with the decision to allow the goal to stand with many calling for Fifa to take action against Henry and order a replay of the game.

The Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern led the protests, urging Fifa to be called to account in the interests of fair play.

"They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but let's put them on the spot," the minister said.

"It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you will win."

Thousands of supporters have also had their say. Gary Bulger told skysports.com: "Henry should be banned for the World Cup and the game should be replayed ... if Michel Platini doesn't take action he should also stand down."

A similarly outraged Michael Dunn added: "I believe France should forfeit the match or meet Ireland again in Ireland to play a winner takes all game! This is a disgrace to the world of football and not one fan can go from this game and say next summer they feel France should be there."

John Van der Steeg also felt aggrieved and said: "Why not use the TV footage to correct this. Fifa should order the match replayed and Henry must not be allowed to play in it."

James Smith also added his weight to calls for a replay and said: "How many more blatant and disgusting decisions will it take before Fifa do something about refereeing and the ability to use a quick referral system? When is someone going to get some guts and do something about it? Henry cheated and he has admitted it. Fifa - replay the game."

Precedent

It appears there is a precedent for replaying play-offs following Fifa's decision to order Uzbekistan's World Cup qualifier against Bahrain to be held again following a dubious refereeing decision.

With a place in a decisive play-off for the 2006 World Cup finals up for grabs, Uzbekistan won the opening leg of their Asian zone play-off 1-0 but they were infuriated by a bizarre incident where a penalty was disallowed for an attacking player encroaching.

Rather than retaking the penalty, a free-kick was awarded to Bahrain. Uzbekistan called for the game to be given to them 3-0, but were left incensed after the match was ordered to be replayed in its entirety due to the technical error by Japanese referee Toshimitsu Yoshida.

Yoshida should have allowed the penalty to be retaken rather then disallowing the goal.

Fifa gave their verdict on the decision to replay the Uzbekistan-Bahrain tie on their official website in 2005 but curiously chose not to mention the controversy surrounding the crucial goal in the France v Republic of Ireland game.

And Irish fans have been quick to call for action by Fifa for the perceived injustice in Paris on Wednesday.

Steven Kelly said: "Real-time video evidence is an absolute must. It's been an absolute must for at least 15 years; where has Fifa been? Online petition campaign anyone? Or bombard Fifa with e-mails?"

David McCarthy added: "Henry is a disgrace but what action will Fifa take as he has brought the game into disrepute? Will they ban him? Will they replay the game? Will they take action against the officials like they did against Graham Poll? I think we know all the answers to these ...NO!"

And Paul Boland added weight to the calls for action by world football's governing body, saying: "The game should be replayed as it was an extra-time goal that should not have stood and would have gone to a penalty shoot-out. Stand up everyone and demand from Fifa they do the right thing for the game of football and have the match replayed."

What do you think? Is there a case for a replay to be ordered? Let us have your thoughts using the form below.

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Comments (110)

Rom Honywill (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Last get real - No way were fifa going to allow France not get to the final's - They changed the rules for the last tie to ensure the big two France and Portugal did not play each other. Fifa is corrupt from the core outwards and it is killing the game. The ONLY way a replay would come about is by some one like SKY NEWS/SPORTS got involved,lets have a public vote similar to the "leader's live debate". Unless some makes a stand now the world cup will be sold to the highest bidder! (so next proposed world cup final in rich oil country then!)

Posted 20:34 19th November 2009

Jay Murray (West Ham United fan) says...

This has definitely left a foul taste in many footy fans mouths. I do not blame Thierry as he is an otherwise upstanding player although maybe it is time for replays to be introduced to the sport in the spirit of fairplay. I feel sorry for all of the Irish supporters.

Posted 20:19 19th November 2009

Niall Mckenna (Liverpool fan) says...

Fifa Fair Play Code: "Play fair. Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure. Playing fair requires courage and character. Fair play always has its reward, even when the game is lost. Playing fair earns respect, while cheating only brings shame. Remember: it is only a game. And games are pointless unless played fairly." HYPOCRISY

Posted 20:12 19th November 2009

Chris Streeks (Chelsea fan) says...

A few years ago, Steven Gerrard dived to win a penalty for Liverpool against Sheffield United, I remembered all the brouhaha in the media at the time, about the referee giving the penalty for 'intent' (even though Gerrard wasn't touched by the Sheffield defender). I believe Sheffield United were relegated that season, and lost millions in Premiership revenue. Last year, in the semi-final of the Champions League, Chelsea were blatantly denied their rightful place in the Cup final; and following on from this, in the same said tournament, Celtic were handicapped by an Eduardo dive that killed off their tie against Arsenal; and in the latest World Cup Qualifier, the Republic of Ireland were denied a chance to go to South Africa ... the game I love is losing its way to cheats of all creeds and colours!

Posted 19:56 19th November 2009

Brendan Montgomery (Arsenal fan) says...

As an Irishman with a clear conscience, Ireland should be awarded a replay on the basis of cheating. With so much at stake, i.e. Pride, as well as economic benefits to our local sport and country, a incident involving a player I once looked up to as a kid at Arsenal, should not be recognised as an official result. Shame on FIFA. Bring on video evidence!

Posted 19:38 19th November 2009

Michael Slevin (Burnley fan) says...

Although it was obviously hand ball, you cannot replay it.With all the repercussions it would produce. Most games have bad decisions, but you cant replay them all. Henry let himself down, not by the handball, but the celebration of the goal. he should have had his head down and looked sheepish

Posted 19:37 19th November 2009

Stephen Cronin (Manchester United fan) says...

I have being playin football for years and i also coach kids football. i have seen some bad decisions over the years but for such a prolific footballer such as Henry to do what he done and smile while running away to celebrate has made me lose my love and passion for the "once" beautifull game. Fifa should take action. They might have Henry, Anelka, Ribbery, Evra, benzema, Gallas (half of them only in the game for the money) etc at the world cup but what they dont have is the heart, determination and love of the game, Look at the passion in Shay Givens face when he was appealing to the so called ref. Look at Damien Duffs tears. Richard Dunne, Keith Andrews and Robbie Keanes faces showed that of a man who's world was just thorn apart in a split second. If I was Henry I would be ashamed to go home to my family knowing what i purposely done. I would be ashamed to touch anybody with that sin filled hand. And i would be embarreses to be once seen as a football icon. Watching the Boys in green made me proud to be Irish.

Posted 19:03 19th November 2009

Kevin Parmenter (Arsenal fan) says...

First off I want to say I am very disappointed in Theirry and feel he has tarnished himself with the brush of a cheat, dispite him coming out afterwards and admitting it, which is frankly irrelevant. I feel for the Irish and think they should be allowed to progess to the finals at the expense of France in an effort to prevent similar instances in the future. A harsh punishment perhaps but without harsh punishments people don't learn. I appriciate this won't happen as FIFA wanted the big nations to go through and they got their way, as usual. However, I am delighted in the sense that FIFA are now in a winless scenario. If they don't do something to compensate the Irish - replaying the game, having a penelty shootout etc - then they will be bringing the game into disripute by saying 'cheats prosper'. If however they do something to help the Irish every manager will want every game that has hinged on a dodgy decision to be replayed too, which is unfesiable. Thus this is going to hasten video replays being introduced as if they were in use last night this whole mess would have been avoided. Either that or most of the Fatcats at FIFA, Platini, Blatter et al will have tarnished reputations and hopefully will be forced to stand down.

Posted 18:50 19th November 2009

Darren Harvey (Southampton fan) says...

Unfortunately Football, like most sports these days, is all about big business - Fifa want France in the finals - watch Portugal and Russia also qualify, fairly or by other means! What is the argument against using a video referee? - why is this taking so long to introduce (i think you'll find the 4th official checked a video replay of the Zidane headbutt before the ref sent him off in the last WC Final).

Posted 18:35 19th November 2009

Gary Milner (Newcastle United fan) says...

Football needs to move into this century - scarcely a week goes by without some controversy. Cheating, faking , lying make a mockery of the sport and encourage the lowest level of integrity and honesty in the younger generation. Its simple each team should have the opportunity to contest up to 2 major decisions in a game with a video review. It works in ice hockey, american football, even tennis. Or maybe the problem is that it leaves the powers be in a hole if their favorite teams arent making it through to the major championships.

Posted 18:27 19th November 2009

Maurice Abondo (Barcelona fan) says...

Replay the match?Ban Henry? What a load of rubbish.They lost.Period.

Posted 18:23 19th November 2009

Basil O'toole (Derby County fan) says...

Lets get things straight as much as i would like a replay and to see ireland go through as well as the boys played they just wernt good enough they were to negative in the first leg and were sloppy with there passes and missed some great chances following ireland always leaves u on a knife edge and we have always got a hard luck story when this time round we shouldnt of needed it .Yes we were hard done by and henry cheated which he should at least get a three game ban for its alright admitting he handballed it but still managed to cross the ball and then run off celebrating like nothing happend.He conned the ref just like players who dive do so should get the same punishment.But at the end of the day fifa got what they wanted and so there will be no replay.(bring back andy reid,steven reid and clinton morrison steven ireland do as roy keane said and stick it up ur !!

Posted 18:17 19th November 2009

Pat Johnson (Sunderland fan) says...

I am a lifelong football fan but this result has left me extremely disillusioned with the sport. FIFA risk losing all forms of authority over the game if they fail to replay this match. This sets a terrible example for our youngsters who may now see, as I have, that hard work and team spirit will never be enough. The powers that be can and will take what is deserved through blatant forms of discrimination (shown through the playoff seeding and this shocking decision).

Posted 18:13 19th November 2009

Stephen Wolfe (Liverpool fan) says...

Under Fifas Law 5: The decision of a referee is final unless he admits a mistake. If I am not mistaken everyone has admitted it was a mistake. The whole world wants an answer and I for one am delighted that the FAI have made a formal complaint. Platini and Blatter have made the rules to suit their own taste. Trying to undermine the premier league with comments and decisions to better suit themselves. Now they are being asked to make a difficult decision to go against Platini's beloved France. It aint going to happen. Everyone involved admits it was a goal that should not have been allowed and therefore something, maybe a replay should happen, but it won't and if it doesn't then I beleive Platini and Blatter should step aside. If I'm correct Blatter is running for President again. He shouldn't bother. The media can have a big say in how this pans out and I hope they keep running with this and help put prssure on Fifa to do the right thing.

Posted 18:10 19th November 2009

Michael Reid (Torquay United fan) says...

Now let's see, what's FIFA's motto... ah, yes, "Fair Play". So to me it's obvious - get the match replayed or the alternative is for footy fans around the globe to boycott FIFA events. No replay, minimum amount of fans attending the World Cup Finals. Sincere apologies to South Africa if the latter happens. FIFA get your ruddy act together and organise a rematch - minus Thierry Henry. Otherwise.... "Fair play"... my arse!

Posted 18:05 19th November 2009

Ken Murphy (Manchester United fan) says...

the match should be replayed henry should be ashamed of himself it was an absolute disgrace ireland deserved to go through no doubt

Posted 18:00 19th November 2009

Broc Emmanuel (Liverpool fan) says...

OK Henry should have tell the ref that he had controlled the ball with his hand and the goal would have been cancelled. He didn't but ask yourselves why ? Would you all have done it ???? NO France lost the semi final in 1982 WC after Schumacher crashed Batistion. He was not sent off, even not warned !!! Was the match replayed ? NO Another question : do Manchester fans want to replay games where Ronaldo dived to win free kicks ? Henry cheated as MANY players do ! Cascarino should shut up. He said he was not a cheat. Tony tell me ! isn't that cheat when you took some illegal products to improve your form ????

Posted 17:58 19th November 2009

Dom Heath (Liverpool fan) says...

Has anyone been onto the UEFA officaial site, where Mr Platini is the president and obviously French. I have scoured the site and there is only one real reference to the farce of a game last night, stating France qualified after an extra time winner. There was no mention of any word like controversial, cheated, incorrect, wrong, blatant handball etc, just the word goal. Mr Platini, you are supposed to be an advocate of fair play so please give some kind of comment. If this was the English, I am sure you would have given a full press conference condemning the incident and brandishing the whole of English football corrupt before last night was out. Grow a pair and tell the truth. France cheated and even as a Frenchman, you can not condone it and should punish it. The least you can do is give a statement as allegedly, the most powerful man in European football. I wait unexpectantly for this to happen. Either show yourself as the honest, upstanding President of UEFA that you want people to believe you are, or resign. It is that simple.

Posted 17:46 19th November 2009

Kieron Murphy (Liverpool fan) says...

Technical rules are written, but in such a clear case of blatant cheating the governing body has to stand up and do something. It is not in the interests of the sport for players and fans dreams of featuring on the biggest stage to be undermined by such blatant cheating. You can't blame Henry, any player would do the same if they could get away with it when so much depended upon it. However, it's exactly because so much depends on it that FIFA needs to show it sticks to its own preaching of fair play and decency. How can we trust in the laws of the game if such an example of cheating succeeds? The precedent example, correctly quoted by the FAI, set from before in the 2005 match was an incorrect decision made by the referee after seeing the incidenct. FIFA will claim the referee didn't see the incident last night and therefore it's not the same. Fair enough then - but let them order the recent Sunderland v Liverpool match replayed because the ref saw the ball hit the beach ball but incorrectly allowed the goal to stand. Sunderland didn't cheat, it was a freak event. France have cheated. Stop quoting text book rules and do the decent thing FIFA in the face of such blatant cheating that you are supposed to oppose. Order a replay or a penalty shoot-out to decide the qualifiers.

Posted 17:40 19th November 2009

Stuart Taylor (Manchester United fan) says...

If this incident fails to bring FIFA to their senses about introducing video replays for controversial incidents, in time for the World Cup, perhaps along the American Football lines, then I cannot see what hope there is for football. There are just too many injusticies to argue against its introduction. I thought Darren Fletcher being booked for being scythed down in the area was the most ridiculous decision I had seen this year, but this surpasses it, As for Henri, the first handling may have been accidental, but he deliberately prevented the ball from goijng out of play the second time he handled. He is no less a cheat for admitting afterwards that he handled it, because he lied by saying it was unintentional. A cheat and a liar! He has alienated many of his admirers by this action. I hope they treat him like they treated Eduardo and ban him.

Posted 17:40 19th November 2009

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