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200,000 Irish turn to Facebook over French foul play

Thousands sign up for online petition calling on FIFA for replay

DONAL THORNTON,

Irish Central.com

Published Friday, November 20, 2009, 9:03 AM

Updated Friday, November 20, 2009, 9:55 AM

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Facebook frenzy: Thierry Henry has become the butt of international jokes after his handball put Ireland out of the World Cup

Watch / Thierry Henry Handball / Click here

About 200,000 Irish fans from all over the world have joined a Facebook petition calling on FIFA for a replay of the France/Ireland match which ended in bitter controversy in Paris Wednesday night.

France advanced to the World Cup finals through a disputed goal after star striker Thierry Henry blatantly handled the ball before setting up the winning score.

Meanwhile a Facebook site entitled "We hate Thierry Henry (the cheat)" attracted over 80,000 Irish fans worldwide, including many in America who are still incensed that the match officials missed the brazen hand ball that cost Ireland a chance to play in the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Fans are being asked to flood the phones of soccer's governing body FIFA and demand a replay.

Irish Americans are posting in record numbers on both sites. Dermot O'Brien from Manhattan said: "This was the worst French act since they let the Germans march into Paris."

Liz O'Shea from Boston said: 'I just tossed my French knickers. Imagine I once had a French boyfriend. Big non non from now on." Jim Quinn from San Francisco wrote "Let's rename French fries frog fries and boycott them."

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plasticpaddy | Nov 21, 2009, 02:57 PM EST

Good the beautiful game doesn't need another tight Cavan man!

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cavan61 | Nov 21, 2009, 12:17 PM EST

This is one more illustration of the stupidity of soccer -- no one except the goalie can use his hands. Hands are one of the most important physical attributes of humans, and it's foolish to ban them. Henry was doing the natural and functional thing by using his hands. I'll stick to Gaelic football, Hurling, Rugby, American and Canadian Football.

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Rebelforce | Nov 21, 2009, 11:05 AM EST

I guess the lesson here is.....If you can't beat 'em, CHEAT 'EM. The whole world is watching. Will FIFA do the right thing and order a replay of the Ireland-France match? I bet they would if the roles were reversed.

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kickstar | Nov 21, 2009, 02:13 AM EST

Trust me this is a good result, The last place anyone wants to be next year is South Africa, I have been there recently and unless you can afford personal Armed bodyguards you will Die Yes Dieand that is in Joburg and many other places, Personal Armed protection costs around $500 a day.

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ruthvsop | Nov 20, 2009, 08:21 PM EST

I think the game should be forfeited. The French team blatantly handled the ball. This is like a golfer picking up and throwing a ball out of a sand trap. Don't play it over, make them forfeit.

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howsyourfather | Nov 20, 2009, 05:04 PM EST

The corruption and behind the scenes machinations by FIFA make Al Capone look like a schoolboy. The venality of players is well documented. Cheating ( and getting away with illegal moves) is an accepted part of the game. FIFA deserves condemnation from the highest quarters.

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dessieglynn | Nov 20, 2009, 01:15 PM EST

FIFA will not do a damn thing about it. They wanted France in the World Cup Finals and they are willing to do anything to make sure that happens. Referees have been bribed before.

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MickRegan | Nov 20, 2009, 01:01 PM EST

Someone suggested a boycott of French Kissing! one step too far methinks! However i have joined the Facebook group to express the frustration with FIFA turning a blind eye to such an injustice. Proud of Ireland.

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Seamus Mor | Nov 20, 2009, 11:38 AM EST

We really should be aiming our anger at the Swedish refereeing team. They all missed 2 offsides and 2 hand-balls on this play. Henry admits he did it, the French Manager admits he did it but the ref didn't take the time to consult with his officials before making the final call. Some of the Irish players said they would have done the same thing if given that opportunity. So let's lighten up a bit on the French and keep the pressure up on their soccer federation and FIFA for what was an officiating blunder.

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bronxjames | Nov 20, 2009, 10:46 AM EST

Leave it to the freakin' French. They never admit they're wrong. We (USA) should have left the Nazi's have them

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tomgallagher | Nov 20, 2009, 10:35 AM EST

I don't blame the player, I blame the officials. How in the world could they miss a call like that.

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McNabb1966 | Nov 20, 2009, 09:24 AM EST

It hurts the game when rules are bent/broken, cheating is allowed and blatant penalties are conveniently overlooked all for the sake of teams like France that are considered by FIFA to be "to big to fail." It stinks and they deserve every bit of the worldwide outrage.

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