World Cup 2010

France Coach Raymond Domenech Shrugs Off Thierry Henry’s Handball Against Ireland

Nearly a week after the event, Domenech has dismissed 'the Hand of Henry' as something that happens thousands of times every year...

Nov 24, 2009 9:40:54 AM

Thierry Henry and the infamous handball for France against Ireland (Globoesportes)

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Thierry Henry and the infamous handball for France against Ireland (Globoesportes)

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Raymond Domenech

France coach Raymond Domenech has mostly taken a stance of dignified silence since last week’s World Cup play-off success over the Republic of Ireland, but the enigmatic coach has now spoken of the controversial tie, explaining that les Bleus’ controversial winning goal was simply a quirk of football.

Thierry Henry was the chief antagonist in William Gallas’ goal, which ultimately guided France to South Africa. He controlled Florent Malouda’s free-kick with his hand before centring for the Arsenal centre-back to bundle home. But Domenech refused to castigate his striker for the incident.

“Like most people in the stadium, I did not see it, and I learned what happened afterwards in the locker room - that's why we exploded with joy at the end of the match,” he told France Football.

“The real debate is with the referee. It is a game, this happens 200,000 times per season. But in France, it has a tendency to be flogged.

“This means that Thierry at the moment hurts. Fortunately, many of his players have shown their support.”

The unconvincing nature of France’s qualification has led to renewed speculation about whether Domenech is the right man to lead les Bleus to next summer’s tournament, with polls suggesting seven out of ten of his compatriots think it’s time for him to step down.

“Remember with Aime Jacquet it was nine out of ten,” he smiled, contemplating the World Cup winning coach of 1998.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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