Wenger – France MUST demand replay to save Henry!
The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken out in favour of a replay in the France v Ireland controversy. The Arsenal legend Thierry Henry admitted handling the ball in the build up to the goal that ensured France qualified for the World Cup Finals, but Wenger believes that a replay will be the only way to save Henry’s reputation.
“I think the French Football Federation has to call for a replay. Thierry has done so much for French football that French football has to help him. I think the credibility of France going to the World Cup finals next year is depending on that,” Wenger said.
“Don’t believe that in France people say ‘let them talk’. It’s not true. I listened to debates last night in France and, ohhh, they’re not happy. What is for sure, I was in Paris on the night. I didn’t see one French flag after the game, not one.”.
“Overall I’m very proud of the deep reaction in France. Everybody said that’s not right. I just say, as a Frenchman, I was quite amazed by how strong the response to that situation was. France did not deserve to go through, Ireland did. But you can’t blame France for that.”
In further defence of Henry, Wenger praised the way he acted after the game: “He has come out and said ‘I made a mistake, I touched the ball with my hand’. That is honest. He’s not a guy who wants to win in a petty way. He’s a guy who wants to be classy which he is basically and that’s why Henry can come out and say ‘that’s not me that’s not how I want to play’.”
It sounds like the whole of France is calling for a replay, but will the (French) Michel Platini listen to sense?
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If the French officials will not listen to the French people and not consider the pleas of Henry and Arsene Wenger then they should forfeit the game and let Ireland go to South Africa.It is even conceivable that Henry will refuse to participate further if this is not done. That is professional suicide and should not be allowed to happen to a player of his stature.