Trapattoni wants answers from FIFA
Thursday, 19 November 2009 17:37Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni wants FIFA to explain their choice of referee for last night's World Cup play-off against France in Paris.
WATCH GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI'S PRESS CONFERENCE.
Martin Hansson did not penalise Thierry Henry for the blatant handball which set up William Gallas' extra-time equaliser, which ended the Republic's hopes of reaching next year's finals in South Africa.
And Trapattoni told a press conference at Abbotstown: 'All fans saw what happened on the pitch.
'I would only like to say I would like FIFA to explain how they selected the referee for this important game. For this important game we needed a stronger referee - an important referee.'
The Italian continued: 'I would give the advice to FIFA - maybe in the future change the rules about the play-off. Play two games and at the end of 90 minutes - no extra-time.
'I think there are mistakes in life...I've seen many situations in football but change the rules. All sports lose credibility with this situation - it affects the integrity of the game.
'I will go to FIFA and advise them 'go straight to penalties'. It's better for football.'
Trapattoni admitted it had been a 'bitter' experience and for him the circumstances of the play-offs were questionable.
He added: 'For me it's bitter. There are many questions - they changed the rules about the seeded teams, then us playing away last.
'There are many doubts that have to be eliminated.
'Out of the non-seeded teams we were the only ones to play the second game away - why?'
The Italian believes there was no prospect of the match being replayed, adding: 'I know it's impossible to replay the game.
'This situation has to give a chance to who is responsible to rethink. It can be repeated in the future and we have to stop it.
'There is a 30-second stop and we clarify the situation. I'm sure in the future they will have to do something about it."
Trapattoni did though absolve Henry, saying: 'It wasn't up to Henry to say I touched it with my hand.'
