shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > France should offer replay says Wenger

France should offer replay, says Wenger

Updated on: 21 November,2009 09:11 AM IST  | 
PA Sport |

Arsenal's French coach Agrees with his former striker Henry on rematch with Ireland

France should offer replay, says Wenger

Arsenal's French coach Agrees with his former striker Henry on rematch with Ireland


Arsene Wenger has echoed Thierry Henry's calls for France's controversial World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed.




However, FIFA have ruled the decision of referee Martin Hansson to award the goal should stand and rejected appeals from the Football Association of Ireland for another match.

The French Football Federation, meanwhile, feel they should now concentrate on looking ahead.

However, Wenger who famously agreed to a replay of an FA Cup tie against Sheffield United in 1999 believes they have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and make the gesture of a replay.

"I support France and it is embarrassing to qualify the way we qualified. We want to beat Ireland properly and that didn't happen," said the Gunners manager, who has turned down opportunities to manage Les Bleus.

"At the end of the day you can talk and talk and talk, or you replay, or you don't replay.

"Thierry Henry was the big loser in this story.

"If he had come out [at the time] and said it was handball, half of France would have said, 'how crazy is he, not to get us to the World Cup?'

"If he doesn't say it straight away, he is also guilty.

"The problem is not Thierry Henry, it is above Thierry Henry.

"He played here for 10 years and has always been super fair. He has come out and said 'I made a mistake, I touched the ball with my hand'. That is honest. Let's make sure it doesn't happen again because we could see it every week. For me people who bought referees, who took drugs, they are the real cheats in sport. Henry has years of fair behaviour behind him and he today is singled out in the wrong way," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK