JOHN ALDRIGE today demanded FIFA to take drastic action against Thierry Henry following the handball that shattered the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams.
Not surprisingly, the Liverpool legend – who represented Ireland at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups – was incensed by the manner of the goal France scored to secure a scarcely deserved 1-1 draw which booked their place in South Africa next summer.
Henry clearly handled the ball before squaring for William Gallas to cancel out Robbie Keane’s opener at the Stade de France to leave Aldridge and a nation enraged by the injustice.
What dismayed Aldridge most of all, though, was the fact the ‘crime’ was committed by Henry, who is looked upon as a true sportsman and a role model for so many.
"Should they (FIFA and UEFA) ban him? Definitely," he told the Liverpool Echo today.
"Something should happen but the sadly it won’t," said Aldridge, who scored 19 times in his 69 appearances for Ireland.
"UEFA is run by a Frenchman (Michel Platini) with FIFA is run by Sepp Blatter. They make the rules as they go along.
"It is just unbelievable. For a footballer who has the highest respect to do something like that and stoop to such a level shows the desperate measures France had to take.
"It’s pretty galling, to put it mildly. It’s all very well him apologising and saying that he told the referee he had handled it but just look at the way he celebrated.
"He raced off as if he had scored himself and when that happens, there is absolutely no way a referee is going to change his mind.
"It’s the biggest talking point in the World Cup since Diego Maradona (handled against England) in 1986. And to think he makes adverts with Tiger Woods and Roger Federer – they (Gillette) would have every right if they decided to sack him."
What hurt Aldridge most of all was the fact Ireland’s outstanding display did not get rewarded and he said: "It’s one of the best performances I’ve seen from an Irish side. If only we had taken our chances in normal time."
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