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KILBANE WANTS FRANCE REPLAY France Stage Of Elimination.


Kevin Kilbane says the Republic of Ireland want their clash against France replayed after William Gallas' controversial goal decided the World Cup play-off.

The Irish players were furious that Swedish referee Martin Hansson had not spotted Thierry Henry's handball before he delivered the decisive 104th-minute cross to the defender.

France will now compete in the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer but left-back Kilbane wants the Republic to be given another chance after the heartbreaking end to their qualifying campaign.

"Well, I'd like to think it would be replayed and I think everyone in the squad would like it replayed," Kilbane told talkSPORT.

The Hull player insists the manner of their World Cup exit is a "major disappointment" for Giovanni Trapattoni's squad.

Kilbane said: "You see for yourself he's handballed it once and it's still going out of play so he's handled it again to make sure it doesn't go out of play.

"And you know what? I asked him on the pitch, 'Did you handball it?' and he said, 'Yes, but I didn't mean it.' But when I've seen the replay it's there for all to see that we were let down. It's a massive disappointment for us all here.

"I saw it [the handball] clear as day. I went over to the referee after the game had finished and I asked him what happened and if he'd seen the handball. He said, 'I can 100 per cent say it wasn't handball'.

"When he said that to me I knew full well that he was just lying to me because he hadn't even seen it. That was the worst thing about it, we feel really hard done by.

"It will be worse in a couple of weeks' time when the draw is made. We'll have to lift ourselves up again. We can hold our heads up high because we played so well and we should have won the game and that's the ultimate disappointment. We played so well, but we can't come back [to the UK and Ireland] knowing we're going to a World Cup in the summer."




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TRAPATTONI: REPLAY IS 'IMPOSSIBLE'

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

The Irish saw their World Cup dreams ended 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."

Trapattoni admitted it had been a "bitter" experience and for him the circumstances of the play-offs were questionable.

He added: "For me it's bitter. There are many questions - they changed the rules about the seeded teams, then us playing away last.

"There are many doubts that have to be eliminated.

"Out of the non-seeded teams we were the only ones to play the second game away - why?"

Trapattoni did though absolve Henry, saying: "It wasn't up to Henry to say I touched it with my hand."





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SHAY GIVEN: HENRY HAS CHEATED ME

Shay Given fears Thierry Henry could have cheated him out of his last chance to play in a second World Cup.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, the senior man in the current squad, represented his country in the Far East in 2002, and had high hopes of doing so again in South Africa next summer.

He and his team-mates were within touching distance of doing just that at the Stade de France on Wednesday night when Henry intervened.

For once, it was not the France skipper's brilliance or blistering pace which caused such excitement, but a blatant handball which was missed by Swedish referee Martin Hansson seconds before the Barcelona superstar crossed for William Gallas to send the home side through 2-1 on aggregate deep into extra-time.

Given said: "It could be the last time, it could be. I don't know what's around the corner, I don't know if I will make another one, and that makes it even more heart-breaking.

"I have only played in one and here we were the better team and deserved to go to the World Cup. But we are not going, so it is hard to take.

"I don't know if he [the referee] spoke to the fourth official or the linesman or someone. It was so blatant and we were so strongly protesting because we just felt somebody must have seen it, it was so blatant.

"How he didn't see it was beyond belief - maybe he did see it, I don't know.

"The seeding thing was bad enough, but then to go out of a World Cup like this is extremely hard to take.

"We do feel as if we have been cheated, not to go to the World Cup finals.

"He [Henry] cheated to win the game. I don't often say that, but that's how it was. He clearly cheated and they won the game from that."

Henry initially indicated the ball had hit his chest, exactly the view taken by Mr Hansson, although Given greeted the suggestion with a snort of derision.

He said: "I have seen the replays - he stopped it and then he pulled it in again.

"You saw it at the time - I don't know if you have seen my reaction, but it was so blatant, it wasn't even close to his chest or anything.

"The ref tried to say it was his chest - it was nowhere near his chest. It was disgusting. It's a disgrace, to be honest. How the ref or the lineman can't see it is absolutely ridiculous.

"I never normally have a go at referees or linesmen, but it is so blatant, it's disgusting.

"He handballed it twice - he stopped it and then pulled it back in. It's remarkable.

"We feel cheated by both Henry and the officials. It's disgusting.

"We were the better team and we are going home with nothing. In a few weeks, UEFA and (Michel) Platini will be happy up in the stands or wherever they will be.

"France are going to the World Cup, they are a big nation and we as a small nation have been cheated not to go to the World Cup."

The result was all the more difficult to take because Ireland had turned in their best display in years to take the lead through Robbie Keane's 32nd-minute strike, and then threatened to win the tie outright inside normal time as they created a series of excellent chances.

As difficult as it was to reflect upon the positives of a desperately disappointing night in Paris, Given was able to cast one eye to the future.

He said: "The good thing is that in both legs, I felt we were the better team, and that gives you great belief and great spirit for the future and for the European qualifiers now.

"I know it's hard to talk about that now - all we are thinking about is the World Cup - but the team showed we should have beaten France with the chances we created.

"We had some great chances and had we scored a second, the tie would have been over."




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REPUBLIC APPEAL PLEA SET TO FAIL

The Republic of Ireland's pleas to have their World Cup clash with France replayed are likely to fall on deaf ears.

The Football Association of Ireland has submitted a formal complaint to FIFA after France's controversial play-off victory in Paris, and that is currently under consideration.

Chief executive John Delaney has called on the governing body to uphold "the integrity of the game" after match referee Martin Hansson failed to spot Thierry Henry's handball as he fed William Gallas to score the decisive extra-time goal at the Stade de France.

However, a FIFA source has told Press Association Sport: "There is no way the game can be replayed.

"To do so would cause absolute chaos for football. If it was replayed, then every match in the future would also be subject to these calls for a replay any time a referee misses an incident.

"FIFA's rules are absolutely clear. Law five states that a referee's decision on points of fact are final. That is the end of it. You cannot replay the match on this basis.

"You have to have a rule that says the referee's judgement is always right."

Delaney's call came after the Republic party returned to Dublin still fuming at the way their World Cup dreams had been ripped apart.

Ireland led 1-0 on the night after 90 minutes courtesy of skipper Robbie Keane's 32nd-minute strike, which cancelled out Nicolas Anelka's winner in Saturday's first leg at Croke Park.

They then passed up several excellent opportunities to win the tie outright, but it eventually went to extra-time and it was then that Irish hopes were dashed.

Delaney said: "We have got to do what we have to do.

"We owe it to the players, who were magnificent. The supporters were incredible.

"It is up to the people who govern the game now. Every time I go to a FIFA congress, I hear about fair play and integrity.

"This was not a league game. This was a defining game with the whole world watching and if FIFA believe in fair play and integrity, this is their opportunity to step forward.

"From the French FA point of view, they need to look at themselves in this situation.

"Henry is their captain and a wonderful footballer, but does he want to be like Diego Maradona and his legacy to be this handball, this goal that got them to the World Cup in an unjust manner?"

Delaney added: "If we had qualified in this manner, I wouldn't be happy.

"I really believe the integrity of the game has been questioned last night."

Both Ireland's Justice Minister Dermot Ahern and assistant coach Liam Brady have called for the match to be replayed, while manager Giovanni Trapattoni question Mr Hansson's appointment for such an important game and suggested future ties should not go to extra time.

He said: "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 have 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."

FIFA have ordered a game to be replayed before - Uzbekistan's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Bahrain - but only because the referee had made a "technical error" after a penalty had been awarded.

But the whole affair has left a sour taste as Irish disappointment at FIFA's late decision to seed the play-offs turned to disgust over Henry's contribution to their downfall.

Keane said: "It's an easy decision to do the seedings, isn't it?

"They are all probably clapping hands, [UEFA President Michel] Platini sitting up there on the phone to [FIFA President] Sepp Blatter, probably texting each other, delighted with the result.

"France and Germany had a chance of being in the play-offs as well, two massive countries.

"There was no way in a million years it was going to be a fair draw - and it wasn't."

French sports teachers' union SNEP-FSU condemned Henry's handball as "indisputable cheating", and criticised the French Football Federation for not speaking out against it.

The union released a statement which said: "The France team will go to South Africa courtesy of indisputable cheating which highlights the downward spiral affecting football today."

The statement added: "The SNEP is surprised at the silence and absence of immediate condemnation of what happened by the Federation."

The union also said: "SNEP condemns and challenges statements made by coach Raymond Domenech and some of his players saying the main thing in sport is to win.

"All these comments are unfortunately linked to a 'very modern' philosophy stipulating that in all areas, including sports, the end justifies the means."

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen, meanwhile, said he would raise the controversy with President Nicolas Sarkozy at a European summit.

But French Prime Minister Francois Fillon then urged politicians not to interfere.

"I think that fair play is a fundamental part of the game," the Taoiseach

said in Brussels.

It is estimated that World Cup qualification would have been worth 30million euros (£26.7 million) to Irish football.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern led the first demands for the rematch, in the interests of fair play, backed by Brady and followed later by the Taoiseach.

"All we want is fair play," the minister said.

"Fifa are committed to the concept of fair play. Ironically, their Fair Play campaign was conceived as a direct result of the 1986 'Hand of God' goal by (Diego) Maradona.''




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BECKHAM: HENRY IS NOT A CHEAT France Stage Of Elimination


David Beckham has defended Thierry Henry following the France striker's controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

Henry has been condemned as a cheat following his part in the decisive goal in Wednesday night's game in Paris.

But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it.

"I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football.

"I really don't think he meant it.

"I've had a few headlines in the past which have not been nice but I don't think he is a cheat."

Asked whether he would have done the same thing in a similar situation, Beckham told Sky Sports News: "Who knows in that situation?

"You're playing in a qualifier to go through to the World Cup, you don't know what you're doing.

"I've been involved in big games and reacted to certain things and looked back and thought I was wrong to do that."

Sunderland chairman and former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn described the goal as "the biggest injustice I have ever seen in sport".

He told the club's website: "I was at the first leg and it was disappointing because France were lucky on the night. We hoped it would be us who got the breaks in France but it wasn't to be.

"People talk about Maradona's Hand of God goal but I'd say that [Henry's goal] was the biggest injustice I've ever seen in sport. Maybe I feel it more because I'm Irish.

"All that I believe in and all that I love about sport was shattered when I saw something like that. It's possibly the lowest I've felt at any sporting moment in my life."

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce believes the introduction of technology is now a necessity.

"There can only be one thing done for me and that is call for technology," Allardyce said.

"I am not sure Sepp Blatter can hide behind anything any more. You can't put this game right now. Ireland have lost the opportunity to play in the World Cup.

"Of course, they still might have lost on penalties or France might have scored another goal, but to go out those ways would have been more acceptable.

"The amount of money the Irish FA have lost has not been calculated but that would be quite a few million, I think.

"As for solutions, I don't think there is one for that game but surely there is a solution to making sure it doesn't happen again. The solution is to bring technology in."

Allardyce can understand why the Republic have appealed for a rematch.

"You would try anything you could under the circumstances," he told Sky Sports News.

"If you feel hard done by you have to try to do something about it. I am not so sure they will get very far with it but it is a great shame because of the effort they put in."

Tony Pulis believes that Henry's handball will be "a stain on his character". Pulis will have to repair the shattered confidence of two of his stars - Liam Lawrence and Glenn Whelan - ahead of Sunday's home game with Portsmouth.

Both of his midfielders played in Paris for the Irish, and Pulis said: "I have yet to really talk to them, but I know they will be very disappointed and I will do what I can to raise their spirits."

On the handball incident, Pulis said: "You are almost saying that cheats have prospered. That can't be right in sport especially with the money that is involved in professional football at the moment.

"There is enough money around to sort it out and get it done and everybody wants what is right.

"Unfortunately on the day, Ireland have been punished by someone who has done something wrong.

"Henry is a great player, one of the best I have ever seen in English football, and this will be a stain on his character without a question of a doubt, but I feel it was more instinctive than anything else."

Lawrence and Whelan's colleague, German defender Robert Huth, also had sympathy for his team-mates, but said: "Obviously I am very disappointed for the Irish boys, it was a really bad way to go out of the tournament.

"But I do not believe games should be replayed, if you start doing that it will be chaos.

"Let's face it we (Germany) lost a World Cup final to England when the ball didn't cross the line. Can we replay that now?"

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez sided Henry.

"You need to look at what he has done as a player and the way he is as a human being and I think everyone would agree he is not a cheat," said Martinez.

"In that situation, you're in extra-time and trying to win, it is instinct.

"I don't think it was something premeditated. Even he expected the referee to blow the whistle.

"How many times have you seen defenders in the area pulling people's shirts and we don't consider that cheating?"




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FRANCE UP, ENGLAND DOWN IN RANKINGS

France have risen two places in the FIFA world rankings following their controversial World Cup play-off win over the Republic of Ireland.

The French have moved up to seventh on the back of their 2-1 aggregate win over the Irish, secured after Thierry Henry handled in the build-up to their winner in the second leg at the Stade de France in Paris. The Republic have fallen two places to 36.

Spain top the rankings, displacing Brazil who drop to second.

England have dropped two places to ninth and Portugal are up five places to fifth following a play-off win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

While the mechanism for seeding the World Cup draw on December 4 has yet to be confirmed, FIFA have said they will discount November's rankings as they have been distorted by the play-offs in Europe.

Four of the World Cup qualified teams do not feature among the top 50 - South Korea, North Korea, New Zealand and South Africa.

Northern Ireland have dropped nine places to 39, Scotland have held on to 46th place despite their recent tribulations and Wales are the lowest ranked of the home nations, down one place to 79.





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DUFF: IRELAND DEALT A CRUEL HAND

Damien Duff was left to bemoan another 'Hand of God' moment as the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dreams were torn apart in France.

The 30-year-old winger turned in a fine individual display in Paris as Giovanni Trapattoni's men very nearly pulled off a major shock to reach next summer's finals in South Africa.

However, William Gallas' controversial extra-time winner, which came after Thierry Henry had twice handled the ball, left the Irish in despair as France edged through.

Duff said: "The whole world has seen what happened, every man and his dog.

"I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, it's just a joke. The lads are devastated.

"It's reminiscent of [Diego] Maradona in '86. We feel so cheated.

"We were the better team all night by a mile. Even going into penalties, we would have been confident. We felt their heads were gone, even in the first half."

Coming as it did on top of the late decision to seed the play-offs, Henry's lucky escape has proved meat and drink to the conspiracy theorists.

However, Duff and his team-mates certainly feel they have had the rough end of the stick in recent months.

He said: "FIFA have to take a long hard look at themselves now. The draw, and then that decision - incredible."

However, for all his annoyance at the fact that Henry got away with an offence at such a pivotal moment in the tie, Duff admitted he might have done the same.

Asked if the incident could damage the striker's reputation, he said: "I don't think you can say that.

"If it was down the other end and it was going out of play, I would have chanced my arm.

"You can't blame him. He's a clever player - but you expect the ref to see it, it was so blatant."

The incident has inevitably sparked fresh calls for the introduction of video technology with defender Sean St Ledger insisting the need had been illustrated perfectly.

Duff too would support a move to bring football into line with the two rugby codes.

He said: "All it takes is two seconds. People say [Zinedine] Zidane got send off for that in the [2006] World Cup [final].

"I ran across to the fourth official straight away. I think he has a monitor there.

"There's a case there. You see it in rugby union, rugby league, it only takes 10 seconds. It should be there."






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QUINN BEMOANS 'BIGGEST INJUSTICE' France Stage Of Elimination.

Sunderland chairman and Niall Quinn has described France's winning goal against the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off on Wednesday night as "the biggest injustice I have ever seen in sport".

Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' goal that sent the French into next year's finals in South Africa.

The former Republic of Ireland striker told his club's website: "I was at the first leg and it was disappointing because France were lucky on the night. We hoped it would be us who got the breaks in France but it wasn't to be.

"People talk about Maradona's Hand of God goal but I'd say that [Henry's goal] was the biggest injustice I've ever seen in sport. Maybe I feel it more because I'm Irish.

"All that I believe in and all that I love about sport was shattered when I saw something like that. It's possibly the lowest I've felt at any sporting moment in my life."






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DOMENECH: BLAME THE REF France Stage Of Elimination.


France coach Raymond Domenech is baffled as to why his side are being portrayed as the guilty party following their controversial World Cup play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Les Bleus secured their place in South Africa next summer courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate win although the key goal on Wednesday night from William Gallas came after a blatant handball from Thierry Henry.

There has been widespread condemnation for the Barcelona striker ever since but Domenech preferred to pin the blame on referee Martin Hansson.

He told L'Express.fr: "Everyone who loves the French team is pleased with this qualification.

"I too am pleased although it is tinged with a little bitterness due to a poor performance from my team, the referee and also the media reaction.

"I do not understand why we are being portrayed as the guilty party."

Domenech, who is set to keep his job following qualification, insisted he did not notice Henry's handball from the bench, adding: "I didn't see it at the time.

"After I watched it back, I can see it is a mistake by the referee. To me this is the game and not cheating.

"I do not understand why we are being asked to apologise."

Domenech also hit out at what he feels are "double standards" over claims Henry should not have claimed the goal.

He said: "I don't mind people demanding Thierry have a halo and wings and admit to the foul but it should be the same for the rest of the world.

"We are not going to commit hara-kiri because the referee made a mistake and this time in our favour."




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REF KEEN TO PUT ERROR BEHIND HIM World Cup 2010


Referee Martin Hansson broke his silence on Friday by insisting "life must go on" after his blunder contributed to the Republic of Ireland's World Cup exit on Wednesday.

Hansson failed to spot Thierry Henry's blatant handball in the build-up to William Gallas' equaliser on the night which enabled France to go through 2-1 on aggregate.

Hansson has since been widely condemned for his mistake but he is hoping to put the incident behind him.

He told Swedish regional radio channel Radio Blekinge: "I cannot comment on the game itself but life must go on and I hope I will survive this too.

Reports have suggested Hansson will still make FIFA's list for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

"Really? Has it been in the evening papers? Well, then it has to be true, hasn't it?" he said with a hint of sarcasm.

Hansson has certainly not received any support in his homeland with leading newspaper Aftonbladet leading the chorus of disapproval.

Their story said: "There are millions of Irishmen around the world. We guarantee they all feel pretty bad today.

"But I sincerely hope there are three Swedes that feel even worse.

"They are Martin Hansson and (referee's assistants) Stefan Wittberg and Fredrik Nilsson."

They concluded by adding: "There will be no World Cup for Ireland and I assume that Team Hansson has also forfeited it's right to continue to take charge of major international matches.

"Anything else would be a further insult to the Irish nation."



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FRANCE SHOULD OFFER REPLAY - WENGER

Arsene Wenger has echoed Thierry Henry's calls for France's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed.

Henry - who became an Arsenal legend and the club's record scorer before leaving to join Barcelona in 2007 - believes the "fairest solution" would be to replay the match following his handball in the build-up to the vital goal, scored by Gunners defender William Gallas.

However, FIFA have ruled the decision of referee Martin Hansson to award the goal should stand and rejected appeals from the Football Association of Ireland for another match.

The French Football Federation, meanwhile, feel they should now concentrate on looking ahead.

However, Wenger - who famously agreed to a replay of an FA Cup tie against Sheffield United in 1999 - believes they have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and make the gesture of a replay.

"I support France and it is embarrassing to qualify the way we qualified. We want to beat Ireland properly and that didn't happen," said the Gunners manager, who has turned down opportunities to manage Les Bleus.

"At the end of the day you can talk and talk and talk, or you replay, or you don't replay.

"Thierry Henry was the big loser in this story.

"If he had come out [at the time] and said it was handball, half of France would have said, 'how crazy is he, not to get us to the World Cup?'

"If he doesn't say it straight away, he is also guilty.

"The problem is not Thierry Henry, it is above Thierry Henry.

"He played here for 10 years and has always been super fair.

"He has come out and said 'I made a mistake, I touched the ball with my hand'. That is honest. Let's make sure it doesn't happen again because we could see it every week."

Wenger, who was in Paris for the midweek game working as a pundit for French television, added: "Football and sport in general is full of heroes who have cheated 10 times more than Thierry.

"For me people who bought referees, who took drugs, they are the real cheats in sport.

"Thierry Henry has years of fair behaviour behind him and he today is singled out in the wrong way.

"A player of his stature has a massive pressure on his shoulders and if somebody has to do something for Thierry, it is French football and France as a country, not to leave him out there alone against the whole world.

"France has to say 'yes it was a handball and we offer a replay'."

Wenger has long been an advocate of video technology to aid match officials - with events in Paris on Wednesday night once again opening the long-standing debate over just how to make sure the big decisions are always called correctly.

"What is terrible for the referee is that he gave the goal knowing something was not regular, yet he had no help," said Wenger.

"I saw him walk from the linesman to the middle of the park, thinking 'I have to give that goal', knowing it is not a regular goal. That is where football is guilty."

The Arsenal boss added: "They [FIFA] have come out with a solution with one guy behind the goal, but the best one is technology.

"The biggest anger for me is that we are still in 2009, sitting here where millions of people see what happened, one guy doesn't see it and we can't help him.

"Football is the most popular sport in the world and we are still having to endure these kinds of mistakes."



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TRAPATTONI SEETHES BUT WON'T QUIT

Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will not quit football over the Thierry Henry handball episode.

The France striker handled the ball as he set up William Gallas to score his team's winning goal in the World Cup play-off on Wednesday that allowed Les Bleus to reach next year's big event in South Africa.

"The doubt does emerge," Trapattoni said when asked if he will continue in football, "but I don't give up.

"It took me years to forget about Moreno, but I don't give up."

Byron Moreno was the Ecuadorian referee who officiated during Italy's 2-1 second-round defeat to South Korea in the 2002 World Cup who later admitted Trapattoni's Azzurri were wronged during that contentious match.

"In the spring I will start to prepare for the European qualification," said the 70-year-old who is still under contract with the Irish.

"I have a dream: to take part in the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. It could be the end of a journey."

Trapattoni is still seething over Wednesday's game, though.

The Irish appealed to FIFA to have a replay of the encounter and even Henry said that was the best solution but football's world governing body today ruled there would not be another game.

Trapattoni vented his fury at FIFA in Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I would like to know what have I done to (Sepp) Blatter," Trapattoni said.

"If he explains it to me at least I would be calm.

"I often go to schools and speak of fair play.

"Perhaps I am a dreamer.

"FIFA has violated the rules imposing top seeded teams in the play-offs.

"It's treachery.

"I think even (UEFA president Michel) Platini was against this revolution."

Trapattoni continues to play Wednesday's events over and over in his mind.

"There's this double handball from Henry on Gallas' goal and on top of that (Sebastien) Squillaci was offside," Trapattoni said.

"It's murder.

"Even a blind man would have seen the double handball by Henry. The linesman was on line as the images show and he had perfect vision.

"I am certain that Mr Hansson (the referee) was in contact with the fourth official and to those who were looking at the images in slow motion.

"Why, when he understood that he had made a mistake, did he not change his mind? I think the time has come to have tv replays for these extreme cases.

"In 30 seconds you avoid colossal errors."

Trapattoni had harsh words for the referee.

"FIFA has done a great job," he said.

"For France v Ireland, you needed a top referee, instead they have sent a Hansson nobody."



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ST LEDGER WARNING TO HENRY

Sean St Ledger has warned Thierry Henry he risks being remembered for his infamous World Cup handball rather than as a brilliant footballer.

The Barcelona striker was the centre of attention after helping to rescue France from play-off defeat by the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland were leading 1-0 at the Stade de France and were level on aggregate deep into extra-time when Henry crossed for defender William Gallas to head home the goal which ultimately took his country to next summer's finals in South Africa.

However, the Irish players immediately besieged Swedish referee Martin Hansson claiming Henry had handled before he crossed, and replays backed them up.

But their pleas for justice went unheeded as the French scraped through in controversial circumstances and left St Ledger bemoaning Henry's contribution.

He said: "I don't really know what went through his mind at the time. He is one of the best footballers in the whole wide world.

"When he retires, everyone will remember Thierry Henry - or maybe they will remember Thierry Henry for that now.

"Apparently he said at the time that it just hit his hand, but I can't believe that for one minute.

"If you see the replay, you see his eyes looking at the ball and you see his hand go up."

The drama has simply served to convince Middlesbrough defender St Ledger that the time to introduce video technology is long overdue.

He said: "Even more so now, you need to bring replays in - we have got the technology there. It needs to happen, it's as simple as that.

"I can't believe FIFA will not consider it for whatever number of years they have decided, four years or something stupid like that. That might have helped.

"But it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

"It's a boyhood dream for me to go and play in the World Cup and it's been taken away.

"If it had gone to penalties, who knows? It's a 50-50 kind of thing."

While Henry was immediately cast in the role of villain by the whole of Ireland, St Ledger admitted the Republic would not have been complaining had it happened at the other end, and laid the blame more at the feet of the officials and the international game's governing bodies.

He said: "It's not about him doing it, it's more that we need replays. The technology is there - the boys saw it straight away, 10, 15 seconds later and you can just tell from the players' reaction.

"If you look at me, you look at [keeper] Shay [Given], we run straight to the referee, and that doesn't happen unless something wrong has happened.

"I honestly don't think the referee was sure, that's my honest opinion.

"First of all, he was offside. Referees and linesmen have jobs to do, and that's cost us."

Ireland's disappointment was all the more acute because of their existing sense of injustice over FIFA's late decision to seed the play-offs, which pitched them into battle with France rather than one of the weaker qualifiers.

St Ledger said: "It's a disgrace. From day one, it's been against us.

"Halfway through the tournament, I don't think you can decide to change the rules just because one of the so-called bigger nations is struggling."




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ROBBIE KEANE WON'T LET DREAM DIE

Robbie Keane is refusing to accept that his World Cup dream is over despite FIFA rejecting the Republic of Ireland's call for a replay of their play-off with France.

The Irish skipper has called on the French Football Federation to heed Thierry Henry's acceptance that a replay would be "the fairest solution".

Henry - who handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas' decisive goal in Paris - came out on Friday to insist he is not a cheat, but admitted the Irish deserve to be going to South Africa.

Keane said: "On behalf of the Republic of Ireland players, I would like to thank Thierry Henry for his statement this afternoon that in his opinion a replay would be the fairest option.

"As captain of the French team, to make such a statement took courage and honour, and all of us recognise that.

"As captain of the Republic of Ireland team, I would also be happy for a replay to happen in the interest of fair play so that whichever team qualifies, can do so with their heads held high.

"We can only hope that the French Football Federation might accept the wishes of both captains in the best interests of the game."



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REPUBLIC ADMIT 'DEFEAT' OVER REPLAY

The Republic of Ireland have been forced to admit defeat in their efforts to be granted a replay of their World Cup play-off clash with France.

Having seen FIFA reject their appeals to have the second leg of the tie replayed because of Thierry Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal, the Football Association of Ireland, backed by both French skipper Henry and Ireland captain Robbie Keane, had turned to the French Football Federation.

However, the FFF have ruled out the possibility, and France will now take their place in next summer's finals in South Africa while Ireland will remain at home, the victims of what they believe has been a gross miscarriage of justice.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said today: "We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a world-wide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation.

"Without doubt, the credibility of fair play has been damaged by this incident in front of a worldwide audience.

"Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players, the wonderful Irish fans and the Irish public at large for their support, as well as the solidarity of the French people.

"We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging examples of cheating are not allowed to recur.

The FAI launched their bid in the face of an international outcry over the way Ireland's World Cup dreams were torn apart at the Stade de France on Wednesday evening.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at Croke Park last Saturday, Giovanni Trapattoni's men levelled the aggregate scores through Keane's 32nd-minute equaliser and then had chances to win the tie in the 90 minutes.

However, the game ultimately went into extra-time and was eventually decided when William Gallas bundled home Henry's 103rd-minute cross.

The Irish players, led by keeper Shay Given, immediately protested to Swedish referee Martin Hansson that Henry had handled before picking out his team-mate, and television replays confirmed that he had done so twice.

But neither the official nor his assistant had spotted the offence, and the goal stood.

To a man, the Ireland players who spoke to the media after the final whistle branded Henry a cheat, and the Frenchman later admitted he had handled the ball.

However, despite popular support for a replay, FIFA insisted they could not accede to the FAI's request, and the FFF were not willing to do so either.


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EVRA OFFERS PLAYSTATION REMATCH

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has ridiculed calls for the second leg of France's World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed by offering a rematch on his Playstation.

And Evra lashed out at French fans for criticising Thierry Henry following his handball in the build-up to William Gallas' decisive goal, claiming that they should be erecting a statue for his France team-mate.

The Football Association of Ireland were forced to admit defeat in their efforts to have the match replayed today.

And Evra insisted it was always a ludicrous idea.

He told L'Equipe: "In football there are injustices all the time. Titi (Henry) doesn't deserve this. Leave him be.

"Who made the mistake? The referee.

"When I think that certain politicians want to replay the match... They don't even know if the ball is round or oval and they would be the first to come and drink champagne in South Africa.

"The replay, I'll do it when you want on a Playstation."

FIFA yesterday ruled out a replay and France will take their place in next summer's finals while Ireland will remain at home, the victims of what they believe has been a gross miscarriage of justice.

A statement from FAI chief executive John Delaney read: "We regret that, despite our best efforts for a replay which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a worldwide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation.

"Without doubt, the credibility of fair play has been damaged by this incident in front of a worldwide audience.

"Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players, the wonderful Irish fans and the Irish public at large for their support, as well as the solidarity of the French people.

"We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging examples of cheating are not allowed to recur."

Henry has been roundly castigated at home and abroad but Evra leapt to the defence of the under-fire France captain.

"We're arguing about Henry? We should build a statue for him," he added.

"That the world press destroys Henry, fine, no worries. But that we, in France, do it, that's impossible. It must stop.

"If Titi had cancelled out the goal by going to see the referee and we had lost, it would have been the same people who would have talked about his ego.

"Frankly, if he had done this, I would have told him 'Titi, you have betrayed us.'

"This handball, it's an instinctive gesture. What sportsman can look at himself in the mirror and pretend that it could not happen to him? Who would have gone to see the referee to tell him?

"These people are hypocrites. We're going to South Africa, that's all."

France's dismal performance in the play-off has given Raymond Domenech's critics more ammunition.

Many feel that if Les Bleus are to have any chance of success in South Africa Domenech has to go, following a poor Euro 2008 showing and a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

The French Football Federation have confirmed the under-pressure coach will still be in charge next summer, a decision Evra applauds.

"We weren't good, we passed really close to a catastrophe," he said. "But we stuck to our guns.

"I will not sing, but I'm not ashamed.

"They always create stories around us. That is good, it builds up character in us.

"People invent stories because they have something against our coach. But hit! Hit! That makes him stronger. He will break the record for longevity on the bench of the France team."



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HENRY: REPLAY 'FAIREST SOLUTION'

France captain Thierry Henry has admitted replaying the World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland would be "the fairest solution".

The Barcelona forward has also spoken of his "embarrassment" at the manner of Les Bleus' victory over the Irish.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," said Henry, whose handball in the build-up to William Gallas' equaliser on Wednesday night enabled the French to go through 2-1 on aggregate.

"Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control."

"I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball. I am not a cheat and never have been.

"It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area.

"As a footballer you do not have the luxury of the television to slow the pace of the ball down 100 times to be able to make a conscious decision.

"People are viewing a slow motion version of what happened and not what I or any other footballer faces in the game.

"If people look at it in full speed you will see that it was an instinctive reaction.

"It is impossible to be anything other than that. I have never denied that the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players, the referee and the media this after the game.

"Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control.

"There is little more I can do apart from admit that the ball had contact with my hand leading up to our equalising goal and I feel very sorry for the Irish."

But a statement from the French Football Federation (FFF) read: "The FFF understands the disappointment and bitterness of the Irish players, management and supporters.

"The federation never sought to deny the refereeing error which saw the equalising French goal allowed.

"During matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final. As a result, the result of the match cannot be changed and the match cannot be replayed."




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REPUBLIC ADMIT 'DEFEAT' OVER REPLAY

The Republic of Ireland have been forced to admit defeat in their efforts to be granted a replay of their World Cup play-off clash with France.

Having seen FIFA reject their appeals to have the second leg of the tie replayed because of Thierry Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal, the Football Association of Ireland, backed by both French skipper Henry and Ireland captain Robbie Keane, had turned to the French Football Federation.

However, the FFF have ruled out the possibility, and France will now take their place in next summer's finals in South Africa while Ireland will remain at home, the victims of what they believe has been a gross miscarriage of justice.

FAI chief executive John Delaney said today: "We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have restored the integrity of the game in front of a world-wide audience, our calls appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation.

"Without doubt, the credibility of fair play has been damaged by this incident in front of a worldwide audience.

"Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players, the wonderful Irish fans and the Irish public at large for their support, as well as the solidarity of the French people.

"We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging examples of cheating are not allowed to recur.

The FAI launched their bid in the face of an international outcry over the way Ireland's World Cup dreams were torn apart at the Stade de France on Wednesday evening.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at Croke Park last Saturday, Giovanni Trapattoni's men levelled the aggregate scores through Keane's 32nd-minute equaliser and then had chances to win the tie in the 90 minutes.

However, the game ultimately went into extra-time and was eventually decided when William Gallas bundled home Henry's 103rd-minute cross.

The Irish players, led by keeper Shay Given, immediately protested to Swedish referee Martin Hansson that Henry had handled before picking out his team-mate, and television replays confirmed that he had done so twice.

But neither the official nor his assistant had spotted the offence, and the goal stood.

To a man, the Ireland players who spoke to the media after the final whistle branded Henry a cheat, and the Frenchman later admitted he had handled the ball.

However, despite popular support for a replay, FIFA insisted they could not accede to the FAI's request, and the FFF were not willing to do so either.


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MOUNTAIN HIGH FOR FABIO

England are set to launch their bid for World Cup glory in a little bolthole in the Austrian Alps.

Fabio Capello had already confirmed his intention to stay at altitude in Austria for a week prior to departure for South Africa, where England will encounter stadiums 5,000ft above season level in Johannesburg.

And, while FA sources are refusing to officially confirm the magnificent Hotel Schloss Pichlarn near the little town of Irdning will be where England stay, as Capello went there with Roma in 2000 and Real Madrid six years later, it would seem to be a sensible choice.

Aside from training facilities inside the hotel itself, which is 2,300ft above sea level, England would use the pitch of the local football team - good enough for Real Madrid to play a pre-season friendly in 2006 - for their twice-daily sessions.

England will play a match themselves, although as it will almost certainly be a full international, possibly against a fellow World Cup contender - Japan on May 29 have been mentioned as potential opponents - Salzburg, a Euro 2008 venue, or Graz, where Sturm play, are more suitable venues, even if they are an hour's drive away.

With Capello due to take a final check on potential bases in South Africa when he heads to Cape Town for the draw on December 4, England's plans are slowly taking shape.

However, concrete dates will not be put in place until Capello finds out exactly when England will start their campaign for world supremacy.

Although the World Cup starts on June 11, England will not be in action on that date as South Africa will be the top seeds in Group A.

It means providing England are named as a top seed as well - something that appears certain - their opening match could take place at any point from June 12 to June 16, when Group H gets under way in Durban.

Capello has let it be known he does not intend to leave for South Africa until six days before England's first game.

The order of England's last two friendlies has also to be confirmed as Capello's side will play one match at Wembley in addition to the encounter in Austria.

Aside from these two games, Capello also has to organise opposition for England's last mid-season friendly on March 3.

Again, this will depend on the qualifying draw, with candidates from South America or Africa to be sought if Capello's team end up drawn with countries from either of those continents.



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HART PLAYS DOWN JAMES INJURY

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart allayed fears over goalkeeper David James' fitness after the England international was injured in the warm-up prior to the 1-0 defeat at Stoke.

The 39-year-old had a knee operation at the end of last season and has admitted he does suffer with "irritation", but the latest setback is a calf problem.

Only a week ago James said he was confident of being fit for this summer's World Cup after England coach Fabio Capello insisted he would not take any players to South Africa who were carrying injuries.

Hart said it was too early to assess the seriousness of this latest injury.

"He pulled a calf muscle warming up," he said. "The World Cup is in June, a calf muscle is usually about three weeks. I think he will be fit for the World Cup.

"We are managing the situation (regarding James' knee) at the moment and up until now he has been out on the pitch.

"He has to do some gym work to help him through it but he has been there and it has not been a real problem."




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