Roy Keane believes Ireland have only themselves to blame for failing to qualify for the World Cup and said they should “get over it”.
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In a withering attacking on John Delaney, Keane has accused the FAI chief executive of double standards in trying to get the game against France replayed.
Keane also refused to condemn France captain Thierry Henry, who handled the ball in the build up to their winning goal, and instead pointed the finger of blame at Ireland’s poor defending and earlier wasted chances.
“Ireland had chances at Croke Park and in Paris but didn’t take them,” the former Ireland captain said. “France were there for the taking but Ireland never grabbed it – as usual.
“They were afraid of that next step and were mentally not strong enough. They can complain all they want. That is not going to change anything. France are going to the World Cup –get over it. They want sympathy as usual. It is the usual carry on and it is boring.”
Keane accused the Irish defence and goalkeeper Shay Given, of letting the country down. He said: “I have been amazed at the commotion over the past few days. Of course Henry handled but I would be more focused about why the ball wasn’t cleared. I’d be more annoyed at my defenders and my goalkeeper than Thierry Henry.
“How can you let Henry get goal side of you? How can you let the ball bounce in the box?” The Ipswich Town manager doesn’t believe the game should be replayed, just as Ireland did not call for a replay after a controversial penalty saw them beat Georgia in the group stages.
Keane said: “It is the usual FAI reaction – ‘we’ve been robbed’, ‘the honesty of the game’ but there was one of the group matches [Georgia] when Ireland got a penalty for a hand ball and no one had even appealed for it. It was one of the worst decisions I have ever seen and it changed the course of the game, and the group.
“Robbie Keane scored the penalty and Ireland went on to win but I don’t remember the FAI saying ‘you know what the referee made a howler, let’s give them a replay. They say this was a play of match but it is the same principle.”
Keane dismissed suggestions that Henry cheated to provide the cross that lead to William Gallas’ extra time winner.
“It was instinct for Henry. Would I call him a cheat – no I wouldn’t think so,” he said. “Did he bend the rule a little? – Maybe. You see cheating going on all the time in games. Nobody wants a cheat.
“I wouldn’t agree that Henry is a cheat. He is a top, top player who took advantage of the situation.”
Keane’s still crying about 2002. If I’ve ever seen a pot calling a kettle black…
as harsh as it seems, keano is right. Ireland missed their chances and stopped for a call, two things u cant do if u expect to win, for all the moaning in the world they are going to SA. Blame the officials not Henry, Ireland need to stop and accept their defeat as a whole and not because of one handball, they had the french on the back foot for two games and robbie keane especially couldnt capitalize. dont wait for the ref to win the game for you, it is high time for some technological help for the refs. Players such as gerrard dive, terry pulls shirts, ronaldo asks for players to be sent off, fabregas takes free kicks while the ball is moving……lets forget about this tosh and focus on the world cup as ireland arent going either way
yikes
Everyone and their mother admits Henry used his hand and that the ref missed the call. France’s qualification is a sham and every commentator, fan, coach, and player will remind them of that every game they play in south africa.
Dead right Roy – sick listening to people saying Irish were heros etc – they had one good match in the whole campagin – why didnt they play like they did on Wed night all along and they wouldnt be in this mess now
What an idiot. The cheek of him. Get over it? How long did it take him to get overr Saipan and his behaviour was atrocious and embarrassing. What kind of idiot would say this to the world about his own country. Right or wrong he should have kept quiet.
Roy, Roy, Roy,
What a whinger…. YOU get over it Roy. Your bitter hatred of the Irish football team, of Ireland, of us….Get some help, go into therapy and deal with your anger. We have every right to protest against anything we want to. SO happy I have a remote control I can turn you off and turn you down every time you come on the screen.