There was an early penalty and Ireland finished with 10-men but there was nothing controversial about France’s last-16 victory over Martin O’Neill’s men in Lyon.
Certainly it was nowhere near as controversial as the last time the two sides met when Thierry Henry’s handball helped France reach the 2010 World Cup at Ireland’s expense. It was a while ago but you may still remember it? It caused something of a brouhaha at the time.
Henry was working BBC on Sunday offering analysis in his own laid-back, laconic style as Ireland gave the French the fright of their lives, leading for 53 minutes before running out of steam in Lyon.
It was no surprise that the handball was brought and given it is Gary Lineker and the BBC that it took the form of some puns. vaguely amusing puns but puns nonetheless.
In fairness to him, Henry handles it well and laughs it off. Or at least does that funny thing he sometimes does with his face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61fRnnYk7Xc
And also, Paul Pogba’s tackle on Long was a definite penalty. It doesn’t cancel out the Henry handball. We’re still owed something.
Or given that the FAI got compensation in the region of €5 million maybe that calls it quits.
