Quinn blasts Fench over 'deafening silence'
Niall Quinn Photo: Getty Images
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Thursday December 03 2009
AS FIFA continue to bear the brunt of public anger over the Thierry Henry handball saga, Niall Quinn yesterday turned his eye towards the French Football Federation (FFF), accusing them of "deafening us with their silence" in the wake of the controversial play-off in Paris.
The Sunderland chairman declined to criticise FIFA or Henry over the affair, instead hitting out at the FFF for their handling of the situation.
"I've nothing bad to say about Thierry Henry or the referee but the French Federation could have been more human than to simply stonewall the situation," said Quinn, speaking at an event promoting Drogheda United's Claret and Blue club.
"It's a bit like a fella knocking over your grandmother in the street and not saying anything. They could have said they were sorry.
"They could have been a bit more compassionate than to deafen us with their silence.
"It's now time to move on but I can completely understand the feelings of the FAI, the players, Ireland management and Irish fans.
"I felt it was right for the FAI speak up against what happened in Paris. They (FFF) were never going to offer a replay of the match but they could have made a more sympathetic statement in terms of how the Irish players and fans were feeling."
While refusing to criticise the way that Sunderland star Andy Reid's international career has been put on ice over the past 18 months, Quinn did express hope that the midfielder might return in time for the European Championship qualification campaign next year.
He also praised Giovanni Trapattoni for his work since taking over as Republic of Ireland manager. "Hopefully, his (Reid's) time will come. Fair play to Trap, though. He has advanced the side in the past 15 months," Quinn said. "Hopefully we'll push on from this and in two years' time, with 15 minutes to go, Andy Reid will pop up to get the winner."
STAY AWAY MARADONA
DIEGO MARADONA, the Argentinian coach, has been warned not to attempt to humiliate FIFA by trying to gain entry to the World Cup draw tomorrow evening. Fabio Capello, the England manager, and another 30 national team coaches will be at the draw at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, but Maradona has been told he is not allowed to attend, having been banned by FIFA from all football activities for two months, until January 15, as punishment for his foul-mouthed outburst at journalists in the wake of Argentina's qualification in October.
- Neil Ahern
Irish Independent
