Staunton lays blame at door of officials
Nov 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
STEVE Staunton believes that the match officials should shoulder the blame for Ireland’s “devastating” World Cup exit – and that Thierry Henry was only acting on instinct.
Darlington’s former Ireland boss believes the linesman was the guilty party in the incident that overshadowed Wednesday’s enthralling World Cup play-off – missing a chance to flag for offside before failing to spot Henry’s blatant handball.
He has also rejected the Irish FA’s call for the game to be replayed, arguing that it would set a dangerous precedent.
“Everybody’s going on about the handball but for me, there was a blatant offside when the free-kick was taken,” he said.
“The ball was aimed at him so the flag should have gone up and a free-kick should have been awarded to Ireland.
“The French got a wee bit of luck. Unfortunately from our point of view we didn’t take our chances. Thierry Henry’s was a natural instinct. It happens and we have to get on with it but it was against my country so I am gutted.
“It was a natural reaction from Henry and he’s got away with it. The referee couldn’t see it but, I’m sorry, his assistant should have seen it because there’s no-one in his eye line.
“These people are making decisions that are costing the likes of our country a lot of money. The referee has two assistants and they are there to do just that – assist him – but most of them get involved in the game at the wrong time but when it comes to crucial decisions they don’t seem to want to get involved.”
Staunton, in the process of quietly rebuilding his reputation at the Arena, was singled out for praise in the wake of Ireland’s qualification campaign by striker Robbie Keane for his unheralded role in Ireland’s revival.
“I started the rebuilding process,” he said. “We knew it had to be a long-term plan but unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to finish my job.
“Mr Trapattoni has taken it on and we went from fourth seed when I took over to third seed and he has got us up to second seed so there is progress.”
Former Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has called for the use of technology and claimed “football is the real loser”.
McCarthy, who skippered Ireland in the 1990 World Cup and guided them to the 2002 finals as manager, said: “It is a hollow win for France. The biggest loser here for me is football and the need for technology is a must.
“With a TV replay in Paris there could have been a real winner.
“Until someone brings in technology and replays we will have to take it on the chin.”
MARK DOUGLAS
