Soccer: Hand of the DEVIL
While controversies and Maradona go hand in hand, talismanic French striker Thierry Henry is someone who would be least expected to cause an unwanted storm.
But the Barcelona star did a ‘Maradona’ during the second-leg play-of(of or off ?) against Ireland at Paris.
With France minutes away from elimination, Henry handled the ball to keep it inside the playing arena in the build up to William Gallas` decisive extra-time goal, earning them the much-needed goal that saw them through.
Furor erupted as the Irish claimed victimization with some players even going as far as accusing World Cup sponsors Adidas of hatching controversy to oust them.
The government of Ireland requested the French authorities to appeal to FIFA for a re-match, which was duly turned down by the apex soccer body.
Amidst widespread condemnation, FIFA announced that an inquiry would be held against Henry, who if found guilty, could face upto a 2-match ban.
Henry was remorseful.
“Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa,” he said.
While controversies and Maradona go hand in hand, talismanic French striker Thierry Henry is someone who would be least expected to cause an unwanted storm.
But the Barcelona star did a ‘Maradona’ during the second-leg play-of(of or off ?) against Ireland at Paris.
With France minutes away from elimination, Henry handled the ball to keep it inside the playing arena in the build up to William Gallas` decisive extra-time goal, earning them the much-needed goal that saw them through.
Furor erupted as the Irish claimed victimization with some players even going as far as accusing World Cup sponsors Adidas of hatching controversy to oust them.
The government of Ireland requested the French authorities to appeal to FIFA for a re-match, which was duly turned down by the apex soccer body.
Amidst widespread condemnation, FIFA announced that an inquiry would be held against Henry, who if found guilty, could face upto a 2-match ban.
Henry was remorseful.
“Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa,” he said.