The hand of Henry: the final word
Almost a fortnight has passed since Thierry Henry’s now infamous handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland. The Irish still harbour hopes of being the competition’s ‘33rd team’, but much of the media furore finally seems to be dying down. In an attempt to put the incident to bed once and for all, two of our writers have a final say on the matter.
Hand of Henry a slap in the face for Fair Play – Mike Dicker
Just about everything that could have been said about the now infamous Thierry Henry handball has found its way into print, onto television and across the radio airwaves. As was to be expected, it has been more about vilification and condemnation than a balanced argument. The vast majority of the world have expressed their outrage, anger, and possibly most significant, disappointment, at Henry’s actions.
I for one was sat screaming at the TV as the hopes and dreams of the Irish team, particularly the 30-somethings Shay Given, Kevin Kilbane and Damian Duff, who may not get such an opportunity again, were dashed by the outstretched hand of a desperate Frenchman. I was absolutely enraged that the brave Irish team, just minutes short of a legendary result at the Stade de France, had their would-be victory so cruelly snatched away by the most bare-faced piece of cheating I have ever witnessed.
When the final whistle was blown, I was willing the Irish players to kick off in the same manner they did after the first leg defeat, and ensure that Henry was on the receiving end of the fisticuffs. Since the incident, the Frenchman has publicly apologised, and it gave me a degree of satisfaction that the French F.A. was hesitant to say the least in coming out in his defence.
I have tried to put myself in Henry’s talented boots. France had struggled over two legs to beat a team who, on paper they should defeated comfortably; but superior individual talent does not always make a great team. A formation that should, but does not seem to allow fluidity, allied to a manager who is France’s worst for years, has contributed to an underperforming team who were on the brink of embarrassment. Henry, as the captain, must have felt that a good deal of culpability lay at this door, and literally took matters into his own hands.
Granted, it is impossible to state indefinitely whether, in this situation, I would not do exactly the same. But taking into account my own values and beliefs, I cannot believe I would. Even little misdemeanours leave me with a conscience, and something on this scale would doubtless leave me disgusted with myself. This is why I am so surprised with Henry. I consider myself a decent judge of character and have always viewed him as a model professional. Does this mean that I have made a monumental misjudgement, or simply that we could all be capable of such an act under the right circumstances?
I ask this because I have since spoken to people who have said they “don’t blame Henry,” and that it was Ireland’s fault for losing the first leg at home that they did not get through, or the official’s responsibility for not spotting the incident. I cannot find it in me to advocate either view. Such a denunciation of responsibility, especially in the context of a game currently battling a diving epidemic, cannot be accepted. Players need to know that such behaviour will not be tolerated, and if this means a mass re-education of today’s footballers, so be it. It’s either that, or the game as we know it is doomed to be forever farcical.
Thierry Henry: a reputation in ruin? – Gary Taylor
Thierry Henry is and has been a phenomenal football player but he might have left his footballing legacy in the game last Wednesday night at the Stade de France.
The double handball in the 1-1 draw against Ireland that sent the French to the World Cup finals was a blatant act of cheating and even though he has since issued an apology, it will not be forgotten.
It is all good and well owning up after the match but the damage was already done and he didn’t look to concerned when he ran half way round the pitch to celebrate.
Henry has always been a great ambassador for football and is admired and respected by the footballing world.
The French striker was the man behind Nike’s Stand Up Speak Up campaign to stamp out racism in football and is also a part of the UNICEF – FIFA squad in which players promote football as a game that must be played on behalf of children.
But Henry sent out the opposite message to children around the world watching that game.
Henry fell victim to the ‘win at all costs’ mentality that plays a huge part in modern day football around the globe.
It is a theme being repeated far to often in football and was evident in the Premiership involving Liverpool and Birmingham City, when David Ngog dived to win a penalty.
Henry insisted throwing his arm towards the ball was natural instinct but since when did footballers naturally use their arm to control the ball to gain control of it?
The referee that night, Martin Hansson, considered his own retirement from refereeing in light of the criticism he received after incident and all to often the officials are being blamed for the players deceit and cheating.
OK the officials should have seen the handball considering it was not exactly disguised but it is up to the players to play the game in the right spirit and not look for a scapegoat when they get caught.
The Barcelona striker could now face the same fate as Maradona did after his infamous ‘Hand of God’ against England in Mexico 86.
Although rated as one of the best footballers ever, Maradona is still remembered by some as a cheat and that will never go away.
FIFA have scheduled a meeting to discuss the Henry incident and they have ruled out the possibility of a replay which I agree with.
To replay the game would be unfair for all the other French players who worked for 120 minutes to gain qualification.
But if FIFA have any sort of authority and integrity then they will punish Henry because if he is not it will set a precedent for all players to cheat when necessary.
As far as Thierry Henry goes, he will have to work extremely hard to rebuild his reputation but it could already be to late.
