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Ten years since the "Hand of Henry"

Monday, 18 November 2019 08:34

It's ten years to the day since, from an Irish perspective anyway, the most infamous handball of all time.

Into extra time in the World Cup play off between the Republic of Ireland and France in Paris, Thierry Henry controlled Florent Malouda's floated free kick with his hand not once but twice, preventing the ball going out of play. He then squared the ball for William Gallas who tapped the ball home to break Irish hearts.

Despite vigorous protests from the Irish players, referee Martin Hansson awarded the goal, which meant Giovanni Trappatoni's side wouldn't be going to the World Cup in South Africa the following year.

The incident sparked outrage in Ireland, with calls for the game to be replayed (not to mention calls for Ireland to be given a place at the World Cup as a 33rd team) falling on deaf ears.

Former Cork City striker Kevin Doyle was understandably angry in the immediate aftermath

Roy Keane was Ipswich manager at the time and was asked about it in his press conference that week - his response was peak Roy Keane.

Then Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had his say, saying it was "embarrassing"

Even the legendary Pele had his say.

The FAI were given a €5m payment by FIFA, which the then Chief Executive John Delaney explained in an interview with RTE in 2015.

Nice to see Henry able to laugh about it all the same, though.

 

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