French back FIFA veto on replay

THE French have blown full-time on any possibility of replaying the soccer World Cup qualifier with the Republic of Ireland.

Despite FIFA proclaiming there would be no rematch, the FAI decided to issue a call to its French counterparts asking them for support.

But there was no L’Amour from the French Football Federation (FFF) last night when it said non!

The FFF dashed any lingering Irish hopes of an offer of a replay by stating the matter was now over following FIFA’s ruling.

The FFF said it understood the disappointment of the Irish, but it was accepting FIFA’s decision.

The governing body of world football yesterday rejected a request by the FAI for the play-off to be staged again after Thierry Henry’s handball led to France’s extra-time winning goal in Paris last Wednesday.

Even Henry admitted yesterday that a replay would be “the fairest solution”, although he stressed the issue was outside his control.

“Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserved to be in South Africa,” said the Barcelona striker.

His comments were welcomed by Irish captain Robbie Keane, who said Henry’s statement took courage and honour.

But FIFA firmly resisted any possibility of a replay over fears that such a move would make the sport ungovernable.

“As is clearly mentioned in the laws of the game, during matches, decisions are taken by the referee and these decisions are final,” said FIFA in a statement.

French soccer manager Raymond Domenech remained unapologetic but accepted France’s qualification was the result of a refereeing error and “tinged with a little bitterness”.

The controversy continued yesterday with an array of politicians and sports stars offering their thoughts on the Hand of Gaul incident. Former Irish captain Roy Keane made a trademark, controversial interjection by criticising both the FAI’s efforts to have the game replayed as well as the team’s failure to beat a poor French side.

“They can complain all they want but France are going to the World Cup. Get over it. France were there for the taking and Ireland didn’t do it. Same old story,” said Keane. “I’d be more annoyed with my defenders and my goalkeeper than Thierry Henry.”

A small group of supporters also staged a protest outside the French Embassy in Dublin yesterday, while a larger demonstration organised through internet social networking sites is due to take place at the embassy today at 3pm.