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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

By
DONAL THORNTON
,
Irish Central.com
Published Friday, November 20, 2009, 9:05 AM
Updated Friday, November 20, 2009, 9:55 AM
Read more: Thierry Henry


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

 

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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200,000 Irish turn to Facebook over French foul play | Irish Sport | IrishCentral


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Most recent comments - See all comments

Report abuse
Posted by plasticpaddy on Nov 21, 2009, 02:57 PM EST
Good the beautiful game doesn't need another tight Cavan man!
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Posted by cavan61 on 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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Posted by Rebelforce on 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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Posted by kickstar on 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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Posted by ruthvsop on 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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Posted by howsyourfather on 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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