THIERRY Henry's "Hand of Gaul" assist will go down in the annals of sports as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions ever made.
THIERRY Henry's "Hand of Gaul" assist will go down in the annals of sports as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions ever made.
But the Barcelona and French striker's response will equally be remembered for its magnanimity. Henry added his voice to calls that the match be replayed in the interest of fair play.
The man Arsenal fans named King Henry XIV - after his jersey number - showed great character by admitting he had handled the ball and the goal should therefore not have stood.
It is trite that Fifa has rejected calls for a replay, relying on the time-honoured dictum that the referee's decision is final. France, and not Ireland, are as a result coming here for the World Cup.
Henry's response restores our hope that some of the virtues that can be learnt through sport have not disappeared with the commodification of the game of billions.
Hope restored
THIERRY Henry's "Hand of Gaul" assist will go down in the annals of sports as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions ever made.
THIERRY Henry's "Hand of Gaul" assist will go down in the annals of sports as one of the most controversial refereeing decisions ever made.
But the Barcelona and French striker's response will equally be remembered for its magnanimity. Henry added his voice to calls that the match be replayed in the interest of fair play.
The man Arsenal fans named King Henry XIV - after his jersey number - showed great character by admitting he had handled the ball and the goal should therefore not have stood.
It is trite that Fifa has rejected calls for a replay, relying on the time-honoured dictum that the referee's decision is final. France, and not Ireland, are as a result coming here for the World Cup.
Henry's response restores our hope that some of the virtues that can be learnt through sport have not disappeared with the commodification of the game of billions.