Wednesday’s second leg World Cup qualifier between Ireland and France ended in controversial fashion, leaving the Irish on the outside looking in as the French head to next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The two teams were in the midst of a two-legged playoff match, with the winner awarded one of the final spots from Europe to the World Cup.

France won on November 14th in Dublin, and the Irish were dominating the return match in Paris thanks a 33rd minute goal from captain Robbie Kean. The match appeared headed for a decisive penalty shootout until French striker Thierry Henry settled the ball in the Irish box and crossed it to defender William Gallas who headed home the tying goal. The goal gave France the 2-1 aggregate lead and sent the French through to the World Cup.

Immediately the Irish were crying foul and replays clearly showed that Henry not once, but twice, used his arm and hand to keep the ball from going beyond him out of bounds before centering the ball to his teammate.

During post game interviews, Henry admitted to the media he had illegal handled the ball. Henry even told the press he informed Irish players on the pitch immediately after the goal that he handled it. The dust had not even settled and the Irish were demanding a replay of the match. Irish captain Robbie Keane, and the Football Association of Ireland have demanded a replay of the match, something Henry believes would be in the best interest of fairness. As of Friday, the FAI already had one request for a replay denied by FIFA, football’s governing body. Late Friday, the FAI along with their French counterparts, had submitted another request for the match to be replayed.

A precedent has been set regarding replays after matches ended in controversy. English side Arsenal agreed to replay an FA Cup tie against Sheffield United in 1999 due to an issue of fair play.

Should Ireland get their rematch?

After Seeing Thierry Henry Replay Ireland cries Foul, Demands Rematch