France vs. Ireland Handball: Should the game be replayed?
Filed Under: Polls | By: Peter Holness
Nov 19, 2009 | Comments 10
Time after time, when a controversial decision in a high profile football match occurs, such as the one that happened between France and the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday evening, we ask ourselves if new technology should be brought into the ‘beautiful game.’
In last night’s World Cup qualifier match, one of the best players from recent times, Thierry Henry handled the ball, then crossed the ball over to Arsenal’s William Gallas, who headed the ball into the net to put France through 2-1 on aggregate in extra time.
As soon as the ball was handled, the Ireland players immediately put their hands up signalling that they suspected handball, but the referee was having none of it. Even the more gentleman type figure of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given ran up to the referee to vent his anger at why the goal had been allowed and why ‘Le Hand of God’ was not seen by any of the officials.
There are two sides to the outcome of this story. One, is should games enforce goal line technology, video replays and extra officials so this type of thing never happens again? Or should the game continue as it is, because without it, there would never be any controversy, in which sometimes makes the game of football, much like this one, more interesting?
So, we pose this question, do you think that the game has a right to be replayed? We want your reactions.
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This goal should be cancelled. We are now in the 21st century, so technology should be used to assist the officials because some of the actions may not be detected by humans. If this goal is allowed to stay, it will leave a big question mark and a bitter taste in the mouth. I don’t support any of the teams but I felt so disgusted that such a thing can still happen in the information age.
“Or should the game continue as it is, because without it, there would never be any controversy, in which sometimes makes the game of football, much like this one, more interesting?”
That’s quite possibly some of the worst reasoning I’ve ever seen! Fact of the matter is, we have rules in place and they should be adhered to at all times. We have these rules as to create a fair and level playing field, just because you don’t like them or think we should throw them out the window from time to time to make things interesting is no grounds for doing so. In fact the mere mention, of doing such a thing is disgusting!
Should the game be replayed? No I don’t think it should, the ref made his call and it was a bad one. But it was his call none the less. Would you replay a match because an incorrect penalty was given? What about a incorrect corner kick that won the game? Where do you draw the line?
What we should do, though, is use this incident as evidence for the introduction of technology into the game, so cheating like this wont go unanswered and unpunished.
The goal should be canceled, not replayed. Technology should be used to help the officials. This particular incident makes the referee look stupid and the stigma of this action will follow the player, Thierry Henry for the rest of his life. “It is rather disgusting”. Well, he might have done it out of desperation but FIFA should disallow the goal.
then all big games should have this done
disgraceful , ireland were robbed in the most important game probably in their history , too right the tie should be replayed
The Irish must just get over it coz this just shows that they r bad losers. If the match is 2 be replayed, then so should all the other matches where there have been bad decisions that led 2 a team losing. This is all part of the game. Everyone talks about taking the victory whichever way it comes. They should also accept defeat whichever way it comes as well.
Is this truly what Thierry Henry wants to be remebered for?
The very minimum that should come of this incident is for Thierry Henry to be banned for France’s next 3 competitive fixtures and for technology to be introduced so the beautiful game of football becomes that bit more fair.
While I would not label Thierry Henry a “cheat” what he did was “cheating” and therefore, proper punishment should be given to limit the number of times something like this happens.
The goal shouldnt have been allowed. The handball was intentional and one did not expect such a foul play from the player like Thiery Henry…its really disgusting to see him cheering after the goal…shame on him,,,The match should be replayed.
FIFA has shown a distinct lack of regard for fair play & just how weak & insipid they really are over their actions…or lack there of over the “hand of frog” incident perpetrated by Thierry Henry. I think it is about time these bodies, who, are nothing without the fans who are the real contributors to these & all competitions administered by the afore mentioned bodies, where held to task. Seriously, they have an illusionary power which has been granted to them by, US, the supporters. Without us, they have no power & no income. They profess to love the game, yet, show little regard for it by allowing cheating. Basically, if you can get away with cheating until the whistle blows, you are home free, so lets just cheat our arses off as many times as we can, something will eventually get past the onfield officials & if it gets picked up after the game, it doesn’t matter….WE WON because we cheated better. Lets just call it cheatball.Do we fans really want that? Competitions where fair play is cast aside & the team who cheats best wins? Or do we want competitions were the most skillful, hard working, best prepared &/or luckiest team wins on their own merrits? Do we want hollow victory? Or do we want to achieved something striven for & deserved?If you agree with my views & you have a Facebook account I implore you to join my Facebook group to which we will invite FIFA to view to show how much we are outraged by their vapid & languid administration