We, the French people, are not happy with events

HERE UNDER is the reaction I witnessed from French people following Wednesday’s World Cup play-off second leg against Ireland.

I watched the match in a crowded cafe where bursts of joy after Gallas scored quickly gave way to consternation at Henry’s cheating.

As I cycled back home I didn’t see a single flag being waved in the streets of Mulhouse. I heard only two motorists hooting their horns – there would have been dozens in normal circumstances.

Most of my friends, colleagues and amateur volleyball team-mates are ashamed. The dominant feeling is one of profound uneasiness. This makes me proud to be French because the vast majority of the country – this unfortunately excludes most football officials and politicians – has shown over the past 48 hours that moral values matter more to us than inglorious victory.

Maxime Leroy

53 rue du Nordfeld

68100 Mulhouse

France