Recent Football News of Note

Over the past month there have been a few instances within the world of football, which have been given much attention. The following is more a listing than a discussion of some of these.

France v. Ireland
France and Ireland were playing their second play-off game for the chance to get on the plane to South Africa for the World Cup. During the second game, played in Paris, there was one particular instance which took over the headlines, and continues to do so. In extra time Thierry Henry used his hand to set up the goal for William Gallas. with this goal, France secured their passage to the finals in South Africa. This despite the outrage which has come up following the blatant hand-ball.
Talking after the game, the referee for the game has indicated that it was not his fault that game was let to proceed, and that it was not his fault that they let the goal stand. It is of interest that during the game the referee indicated that he had no uncertainty what so ever that there was no illigal infringement.

It is further of note that there were suggestions that Gillette should drop their promotional contract with Henry. Looking at the promotional material it is of interest to see the approach taken by the company ... see the before and after editions of the promotional material in the picture below. It appears that through this Henry is not really indicating his associated sport, as the other two are.