Back in November, France and the Republic of Ireland met in the second leg of their World Cup play-off qualifier. In extra time, France’s Theirry Henry committed a handball before scoring. The goal propelled France into the World Cup qualification finals. Understandably, many fans of the game were angry. Tensions have eased since then and now Republic coach Giovanni Trapattoni has forgiven the French striker.
From FOXSports.com:
The France international’s handball in the run-up to William Gallas’ decisive goal in November’s World Cup play-off qualifier ended the Republic’s dreams of qualifying for the finals in South Africa.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled this week they had no power to sanction Henry and Trapattoni admits he now has to put the incident behind him.
“The bitterness has passed and what remains is the taste of the good performance and the regret that we didn’t end up in South Africa,” Trapattoni told the programme ‘Dribbling’ on Italian television channel Rai Due.
“With the qualifying round we fought we deserved it.
“But I forgive Henry.”
In his defense, Henry did ask to have the match replayed. It was just an unfortunate outcome for a nation looking for its first World Cup berth since 2006.
