Thierry Henry's left hand was France's magic wand on Wednesday, as he prevented the ball from going out of play and assisted on William Gallas' playoff winning goal. Everyone in the world saw Henry blatantly handle the ball, but the only person that mattered, was blind to the offense.
Referee's and players have oft been villified in sports, but it is unusual to see the backlash that not only FIFA is receiving, but Thierry Henry as well.
He is one of the best and most well-respected players in the world, and has now be relegated by many as a cheat. More specifically, "Le Cheat," in the Irish Times.
It is hard to understand how so many people can stand up and call Henry a cheater when they have surely handled the ball intentionally a number of times themselves, whether it be in a recreational men's league, or in the World Cup finals.
The Republic of Ireland is not standing for what they believe to be an unfair outcome, in a game that they utterly and truly dominated, and deserved to win. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued an official complaint on Thursday, calling for a replay of the game by FIFA.
Suggesting a replay was expected from the Irish. Chief Executive of the FAI made his plea saying, "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."
The frustration has gone even further in Ireland, as Irish Parliament's Justice Minister Dermot Ahern spoke to the matter. "They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of FIFA on the spot and demand a replay, " he said. "It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you win."
Let's make something clear, Thierry Henry is not a cheater. There was nothing premeditated about the handling of the ball or the goal. Henry is a professional and world class athlete that acts on instinct and reflexes. Had he decided before the game that he would handle the ball in order to score the decisive goal, we would have a different story on our hands.
It is unfortunate and sad for an Irish side that thoroughly beat the French in every aspect of the game on Wednesday.
I will agree that the referee determined the final outcome of the playoff. However, to lay blame solely on the referee and Thierry Henry is simply absurd. Ireland's failure to find the back of the net for a second, third, or even fourth time, preventing them from putting the game out of reach from the French, is what ultimately led to their demise.
FIFA, as expected, denied the complaint by the FAI. In a previous instance, in 2006, FIFA required a playoff match between Uzbekistan and Bahrain to be replayed because of a mistake by the officials. However, in this instance, a call was not missed, but a rule misinterpreted. There is no precedent for replaying a match based on a missed call, and it is unlikely that it will ever occur.
Ireland fans will never be satisfied with any explanation given by FIFA, the referee, or Thierry Henry. No sport has more of an effect on its fans than soccer. In Ireland, sadness and anger are two words too weak to describe the feelings of the fans. In a Facebook group dedicated to the hatred of Thierry Henry, someone has called for the boycott of all French goods. After all, what would France do without Ireland's support.
Maybe if Robbie Keane had used HIS hand around the net on Wednesday, Ireland wouldn't be facing what seems to be the devastation of their nation.
UPDATE: Thierry Henry believes a replay is the "fairest solution" for Ireland, who he believes deserve to be in the World Cup.
FAI and Robbie Keane calling for the French Football Federation to accept a replay despit e FIFA's ruling.
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