Ahern demands replay after play-off defeat

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern demanded a rematch today after a blatant handball put France into the football World Cup finals.

Dermot Ahern lashed out at governing body Fifa after the Republic of Ireland were beaten by a controversial extra-time goal illegally set up by French captain Thierry Henry.

Dubbed 'Le Hand', the Barcelona star confessed to using his arm to control the ball before squaring for teammate William Gallas to finish - but says it was not done "on purpose".

Mr Ahern, a passionate soccer fan, called for Fifa to be called to account in the interests of fair play.

"They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but let's put them on the spot," the minister 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 will win."

Ireland have been widely praised as the better side over the two-leg play-off, which they lost 2-1 on aggregate.

Fans were already up in arms after Fifa changed world seedings in the run-up to the play-off draw, effectively lining Ireland up for a difficult tie with one of Europe's bigger footballing nations.

Pundits also said officials missed an offside in the run-up to the winning goal.

"Thierry Henry has admitted handling the ball, claims he told the ref he handled it," the minister said.

"Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball - not to mention a double offside - and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of Fifa on the spot and demand a replay."

The Republic's assistant manager Liam Brady also backed calls for a replay.

"For the dignity and integrity of football, we will go to France and play again," the coach said.

"(Fifa president) Sepp Blatter goes on about fair play - let him reflect on what happened last night. Where is football going if a team is cheated out of fair play? Where are we going if this decision stands?"

Mr Ahern has asked Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney and vice-president Des Casey to demand Fifa arrange a replay.

The Ireland management team, including coach Giovanni Trapattoni, are due back in Dublin later today.

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen praised the team's heroic performance.

"The team's efforts kept the nation enthralled for 120 minutes of football," Mr Cowen said. "To a man, they did Ireland proud."

Leading French daily newspaper Le Monde ran an online poll - Does France deserve to be in South Africa?

An overwhelming number of voters said: "Non."

Angry Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane claimed the game's masters got the result they wanted.

The country's record scorer, who took his tally to 42 in Paris, said Mr Blatter and Uefa counterpart Michel Platini would be happier that France are in the finals.

"They're all probably clapping hands, Platini sitting up there on the phone to Sepp Blatter, probably texting each other, delighted with the result," the striker told BBC Radio Five Live.

The Tottenham forward also criticised the late decision to seed the play-off ties when it emerged that established football powers such as France, Portugal and, at one stage, Germany could be involved.

"Germany had a chance of being in the (play-offs) as well. With two massive countries, there's no way in a million years is there going to be fair draw."