Why Thierry Why? (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Why Thierry Why?

5:45pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009 in

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Before the Wednesday 18th November 2009 Thierry Henry was arguably the greatest player to play in the Premier League.

His pace, athleticism, skill and talent saw him win not only numerous trophies and personal accolades but also the respect of opposing fans who appreciated his incredible ability.

But his reputation and standing in football is in jeopardy after his handball for France against the Republic of Ireland in the 2nd leg of a World Cup playoff. This moment led to a goal scored by William Gallas which ultimately levelled the match, saw France beat Ireland 2-1 on aggregate and book their spot at the World Cup in South Africa.

The incident came from a free kick played into the penalty area, no one was able to get a head on to the ball, the ball bounced and looked set to go out for a goal kick before Henry controlled the ball and played it across for Gallas to head in.

Watching it live the goal looked fine but the Irish players charged towards the referee screaming that it was handball. The replays clearly showed Henry use his hand to keep the ball in play then pass for Gallas to score. The goal stood and it ultimately knocked Ireland out of the World Cup.

As an Arsenal fan, it’s very hard to see the criticism Henry is getting but it’s difficult not to look at the incident and think that he cheated.

If Henry had touched the ball once with his hand then you could use the argument that it was instinctive but the second touch rules that out because it directed the ball perfectly on to his right foot to play the ball to Gallas.

In his post match interviews, Henry admitted he had handballed it and put the blame on the referee for not seeing it. It’s unfortunate that the referee was in a position where he couldn’t see what happened and whilst the reaction of the Ireland players should have told him that something seriously wrong went on the referee is not to blame. You can’t expect the referee to make a decision on something he hadn’t seen.

Which is why video technology is needed to give help to referees to get the major decisions right. Some of the Irish players may not make it to the World Cup in 2014 so to have missed the chance to play at the World Cup next year because of a handball that could have been disallowed with some form of video analysis must be heartbreaking.

Some have said Henry should have admitted that he handballed it to the referee but it would have taken someone with immense character, integrity and sportsmanship to do so. In the past Henry had shown he was someone with these qualities but now and for the rest of his career this will always be in doubt.