'Gutted' O'Brien calls on FIFA to rethink stance
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Saturday November 21 2009
TELECOMS millionaire Denis O'Brien, who funds a significant portion of Giovanni Trapattoni's salary, challenged the French to reconsider their position on the World Cup hand-ball controversy.
Mr O'Brien -- who admitted he was "gutted" by the manner of Ireland's World Cup exit -- said it was now time for the French, FIFA and the player at the centre of the controversy, Thierry Henry, to reconsider their positions.
He strongly endorsed calls for a replay of the World Cup qualifier.
"I just couldn't believe it. It was absolute daylight robbery," Mr O'Brien said.
"Trapattoni is a genius and, to be fair, John Delaney and the people who appointed Trapattoni got it absolutely right."
"FIFA need to look at themselves; the French Football Federation need to look at themselves; and Thierry Henry . . . you know, I can see people not buying Gillette razors in Ireland," he said in reference to one of Henry's main personal sponsors.
- RALPH RIEGEL
Irish Independent
