West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

McCann calls for replay of World Cup play-off

Published: 19 November, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has added his weight to the call for a rematch of last night's world cup qualifier between the Irish and French teams.

Mr McCann said:

"The Irish players gave it their all and played with all their hearts giving a fantastic performance. To have it taken away from them in this manner is certainly an injustice, but an injustice that is not insurmountable if the will exists within FIFA to be even-handed and for the body to abide by its fair play doctrine.

"The FIFA fair play rules do not stand up on this occasion and we cannot appreciate the ruling on this instance, given the blatant use of hands in keeping the ball in play, that the referee's decision is final.

"International football matches hold too much gravitas for this to be allowed. I am adding Sinn Fein's voice to the calls for a rematch, indeed even calling for a penalty shootout that may have very well occurred to be held.

"Failing this the onus is now on FIFA to bring in televised fourth official rulings in order to ensure that no other team faces the injustice that the Irish players endured last night."