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Given Left Feeling Cheated By Henry
Given expresses bitterness over the nature of Ireland's unjust loss.
Nov 19, 2009 6:06:40 PM
Republic of Ireland 'keeper Shay Given is the latest player to blast France striker Thierry Henry for his wily piece of play which ended Ireland's hopes of reaching the World Cup.
The Manchester City shot-stopper was part of his nation's last World Cup appearance in 2002 - which he fears will be his only ever, after William Gallas' contentious goal ensured that the Boys in Greens' would not be officially traveling to South Africa in 2010.
“It could be the last time, it could be. I don't know what's around the corner, I don't know if I will make another one, and that makes it even more heart-breaking.” said Given, according to the Press Association.
“I have only played in one and here we were the better team and deserved to go to the World Cup. But we are not going, so it is hard to take.
Henry's intervention has added insult to injury after FIFA's unpopular decision to seed the European play-offs – a move that did not go down well with the Irish camp.
He continued: “The seeding thing was bad enough, but then to go out of a World Cup like this is extremely hard to take.
Given, clearly disgruntled at the nature of the outcome, is adamant that former Arsenal striker Henry "clearly cheated" to get the result.
“We do feel as if we have been cheated, not to go to the World Cup finals.”
“He [Henry] cheated to win the game. I don't often say that, but that's how it was. He clearly cheated and they won the game from that.
“I have seen the replays - he stopped it and then he pulled it in again.
“I never normally have a go at referees or linesmen, but it is so blatant, it's disgusting.
“He hand-balled it twice - he stopped it and then pulled it back in. It's remarkable.
“We feel cheated by both Henry and the officials. It's disgusting.”
The distraught Given said he doubts UEFA president Michel Platini is feeling remorseful despite his nation securing qualification in unjust circumstances.
“We were the better team and we are going home with nothing. In a few weeks, UEFA and [Michel] Platini will be happy up in the stands or wherever they will be.”
“France are going to the World Cup, they are a big nation and we as a small nation have been cheated not to go to the World Cup.”
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The Manchester City shot-stopper was part of his nation's last World Cup appearance in 2002 - which he fears will be his only ever, after William Gallas' contentious goal ensured that the Boys in Greens' would not be officially traveling to South Africa in 2010.
“It could be the last time, it could be. I don't know what's around the corner, I don't know if I will make another one, and that makes it even more heart-breaking.” said Given, according to the Press Association.
“I have only played in one and here we were the better team and deserved to go to the World Cup. But we are not going, so it is hard to take.
Henry's intervention has added insult to injury after FIFA's unpopular decision to seed the European play-offs – a move that did not go down well with the Irish camp.
He continued: “The seeding thing was bad enough, but then to go out of a World Cup like this is extremely hard to take.
Given, clearly disgruntled at the nature of the outcome, is adamant that former Arsenal striker Henry "clearly cheated" to get the result.
“We do feel as if we have been cheated, not to go to the World Cup finals.”
“He [Henry] cheated to win the game. I don't often say that, but that's how it was. He clearly cheated and they won the game from that.
“I have seen the replays - he stopped it and then he pulled it in again.
“I never normally have a go at referees or linesmen, but it is so blatant, it's disgusting.
“He hand-balled it twice - he stopped it and then pulled it back in. It's remarkable.
“We feel cheated by both Henry and the officials. It's disgusting.”
The distraught Given said he doubts UEFA president Michel Platini is feeling remorseful despite his nation securing qualification in unjust circumstances.
“We were the better team and we are going home with nothing. In a few weeks, UEFA and [Michel] Platini will be happy up in the stands or wherever they will be.”
“France are going to the World Cup, they are a big nation and we as a small nation have been cheated not to go to the World Cup.”
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