It was Damien Duff who had handled the ball, passing to Robbie Keane to score and send Ireland to South Africa? Would the northern hemisphere still be exploding into fits of rage, demanding every law of the game be changed and the execution of Platini and Blatter? Or would there be parties in the streets and sly smirks about the cheeky goal that had been scored, with every Irishman keen to buy Duff a pint!
Isn't it wonderful to witness the wrath of players who are condemning Thierry Henry for his deliberate handball. But has anyone asked them? "Would you do the same thing?" Of course they sodding well would. They're professional footballers and professional footballers cheat all the time, throughout ther match. They refine their cheating on the training grounds under the watchful eyes of coaches.
So let's please get off our high horses here. I feel very sorry for Ireland that they have been knocked out and that Henry's handball may have cost them dear.
But I really can't bring myself to get too angry with the French when I know that the Irish would have cheated just as readily given the chance.
Don't blame the referee. Hansson did nothing wrong. He was in the best position he could be but only the assistant could help out when Henry found himself virtually on the goal-line. The assistant MAY have had a clear view across the field to Henry and really should have spotted the handball. It's easy to give excuses. "It was all over in a flash, it's hard to see clearly from 40 yards away etc etc) but he is at the top of his game and should have spotted the handball.
So solutions? A rugby-style review would have spotted the offence immediately. The referee could have asked the video reviewer, "goal or no goal please." the reviewer would have been able to respond in 30 seconds. "No goal, Ireland free kick, caution for Henry."
Nice and simple yes? No. What about the alleged file on Anelka? What would the referee do then? Ask the video reviewer to interpret whether Anelka was tripped by Shay Given? We xould still be sitting there now waiting for that decision.
What about the extra officials being used in Europa Cup games? They might have been able to help.
And were French players offside when Gallas scored? In my opinion No, but many people seem to be arguing that two players were in active play when the ball went past them.
It's so difficult.
Yes, France cheated their way to that goal. But all players cheat. So does it matter?
1 comment:
I don't think Henry had the entire northern hemisphere in a rage but many people seem to think they're Irish when in fact they're not. I liked the response Roy Keane gave when asked about it!
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