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11/21/09 09:20:00
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11/21 09:16 CST Ireland gives up on replay over Henry's hand ball
Ireland gives up on replay over Henry's hand ball
DUBLIN (AP) -- Ireland has given up hope of a World Cup playoff replay against
France because of Thierry Henry's hand ball.
Henry's deliberate handling set up a goal for William Gallas in Wednesday's 1-1
draw that sent France to next year's tournament and knocked out Ireland. The
Irish appealed to the French federation to agree to a replay but were turned
down Friday.
"We regret that despite our best efforts for a replay, which would have
restored the integrity of the game in front of a worldwide audience, our calls
appear to have fallen on deaf ears at the French Football Federation," Football
Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney said Saturday.
"Without doubt, the credibility of fair play has been damaged by this incident
in front of a worldwide audience."
Although FIFA ruled on Friday there would be no replay, the Irish still made an
official request to the French to back their case in a bid to get the world
governing body to change its mind. The French responded by saying it understood
the disappointment and bitterness of the Irish but the result could not be
changed.
Delaney said the FAI would urge FIFA to make sure the problem didn't happen
again.
"Despite our deep disappointment, we thank our players, the wonderful Irish
fans and the Irish public at large for their support, as well as the solidarity
of the French people," he said.
"We will continue to call on FIFA to take action to ensure that such damaging
examples of cheating are not allowed to recur."
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