Trap - Replay is impossible

Irish coach asks Fifa to clarify choice of referee

Last updated: 20th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Trap - Replay is impossible

Trapattoni: Upset

We know it will be impossible for the game against France to be replayed.

Giovanni Trapattoni
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Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni concedes it will be 'impossible' to replay their World Cup play-off with France.

The Irish saw their World Cup dreams shattered in controversial circumstances after Thierry Henry handled the ball twice in the build-up to William Gallas' crucial goal in the 1-1 draw in Paris.

Henry has admitted he handled the ball, but the incident went unnoticed by the officials and France progressed to next summer's finals in South Africa.

The goal has provoked outrage in the world of football with Irish justice minister Dermot Ahern calling on Fifa to order a replay of the game.

However, Trapattoni is resigned to the fact that the game will not be replayed and Ireland will miss out in playing in next summer's tournament.

Questioned about the prospect of asking for the game to be replayed, Trapattoni said: "We know it will be impossible for the game against France to be replayed."

Trapattoni believes the officials are to blame for the incident and has called on Fifa to explain the choice of Swedish referee Martin Hansson for the game.

"All fans saw what happened on the pitch.

"I would only like to say I would like Fifa to explain how they selected the referee for this important game. For this important game we needed a stronger referee - an important referee."

The veteran Italian also believes Fifa need to change the structure of the play-off games.

"I would give the advice to Fifa - maybe in the future change the rules about the play-off. Play two games and at the end of 90 minutes - no extra-time.

"I think there are mistakes in life...I've seen many situations in football but change the rules. All sports lose credibility with this situation - it affects the integrity of the game.

"I will go to Fifa and advise them 'go straight to penalties'. It's better for football."

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