Neville defends Henry over World Cup handball
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has insisted that it ias wrong to brand France striker Thierry Henry a cheat for handling the ball in his side's controversial World Cup qualifying playoff victory over Ireland.
"To label Henry a cheat is wrong," Neville wrote in his regular column in The Sunday Times. "Everyone who has played football will know that when the ball comes up at your side, your arm can come out instinctively. We have all done things in football matches in the heat of the moment that we have regretted later. The referee has to spot these things."
FIFA rejected Ireland's request for a replay after Henry's actions helped France to get a 2-1 aggregate win and reach the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.
Full story:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091122/sport/wrong-to-label-henry-a-cheat
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Ray Gatt
Nov 22nd 2009, 18:33
I'm sorry Gary but I do not agree with you at all on this one. The hand might come out ones instinctively, but twice? I feel for the Irish as this is a lifetime experience and Thierry stole it from them. The guy is a cheat, but then we knew that from the time he played for the gooners. Used to go down too easily in my opinion. Same as Cristiano. I loved Ronny but his diving changed my level of respect for him. Once a cheat always a cheat I suppose whether it's Ronny, Drogba, Gerrard, Torres, Carragher, Terry or Henry. For these people football is their job, they are paid exorbitant monies and one expects honesty from them. If I'm caught cheating on my job, I'll probably get thesack straight away. These guys make cheating part of their day's work and get away with murder most of the time. What did Uefa or Fifa do about it? Absolutely nothing. Then Platini is disgusted wth the amount of money English clubs are dishing out to give their audiences the best entertainment possible, but not a word about this incident at all.
david vella
Nov 22nd 2009, 13:51
Dear Mr.Neville, how if this goal was scored against England and your job was to mark Henry on the day!! You'll surely have had a different opinion then!! I'm an England fan but can't not help sympathize with the Irish! This was not a friendly game but a high calibre encounter deciding who'll go through!! Let's face it, there are no more humble players around - the likes of Lineker - to grace the game with their honesty!! No excuses though, France were not out of the competition yet but still could have won in the most chivalry manner possible - penalties!!
R.Gauci
Nov 22nd 2009, 12:17
Yes to label Henry a cheat is wrong as how much to say that cheaters never prosper!!