ireland robbed by evil 'enry...

[chuck]

Jole.

I guess we all know that "this kind of thing happens all the time" - but that's not really the point is it?

Cheating is cheating - just because the ref missed it doesn't absolve Henry of breaking the rules.

Sport works because we all (somewhat naively some might say) assume that it's a level playing field - and that everyone has a fair crack at winning, because they play by the rules. Especially with football - I mean, it's always said, all you need is a round ball and some space - and you've got a game.

We know it's not fair - talent, facilities, competitions, training aren't spread fairly across the planet - and Brazil seem blessed with some unnaturally gifted footballers - but we expect and assume that everyone will play by the rules. And there's been a fair share of upsets in the game.

If the technology to prevent that cheating - or to allow the refs to see what they miss is available, then why isn't FIFA allowing its use? FIFA's own slogan is "Fair Play" - but they're constantly shooting themselves in the foot - and IMO it's bullshit to say "That's sport." when a mistake like this happens.

[jole]

As i understood the situation Henry never said he hand played on purpose therefore i dont think he was cheating , it was a refs mistake not to call it.
I agree with you about using tehnology in order to make refs decisions more correct but only in cases of offside and goal line, the rest can be left for the ref to judge based on hes criteria and way of seeing the game, but it would be important that hes decisions and criterias maintain consistent for both teams. People always liked that ref Colina cause he never favorised any team and even if he did make a mistake it didnt influence the rest of hes callings.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by jole

As i understood the situation Henry never said he hand played on purpose therefore i dont think he was cheating , it was a refs mistake not to call it.

Mate. Have you seen the footage?

Henry could claim he was conducting Susan Boyle, Pavarotti, and Jacqueline Du Pres in an all-star celebrity 'Stars in their Eyes' - and he'd still have been cheating.

It doesn't matter what he says - he handled the ball (twice) with his hand. First time was possibly instinctive - the second he controls the ball.

That's against the rules - therefore it's cheating.

The ref missed it - therefore it's not cheating? Yeah right.

[IsiliRunite]

This isn't "hand of God" bad, because of Henry's admission, but why are there not enough Ref's to see this things?

I think Henry hit the ball initially on instinct, then tried to keep the play alive. Isn't that what you're supposed to do? I'm sure he thought the goal would be struck down by the time the ball left his foot.