To What Extent is Cheating Justified - Thierry Henry and the Ireland France Football Match
Ireland were the better team and were leading 1-0 in France which having lost the first leg in Ireland had them heading for a penalyt shoot out. In extra time the great Thierry Henry handled the ball not once but twice to ensure he controlled the ball close to the touch line and not far from an Irish goal post. It was enough for him to put in a low cross to William Gallas who headed in from less than two yards. This was blatant cheating and it wasn't seen by the refereee or his assistant. This has robbed Ireland of an equitable chance of qualifying for the World Cup finals in South Africa. And the great Thierry Henry was the culprit.
Was he justified in trying to do this hoping that if he got away with it, which he did, it would virtually put France through to the finals, which it also did. This was a disgrace. Henry should be villified for his cheating but if the lauding of Maradona's 'hand of God' actions are anything to go by, this twisted sense of moralitty will see him seen as a hero. I hope not. He has certainly gone down hugely in my estimation.
If ever there was a need for the use of technology or simply allowing the fourth official to view the video footage, this must be it.
From a commercial point of view, does this damage Thierry Henry as a brand and an investment property? What does Gillette think of him now?
Keith
Keith Irving
iStadia
Tags:
cheating in football,
gillette,
hand of god,
ireland france world cup football match,
maradona,
sports branding,
thierry henry,
william gallas,
world cup football,
world cup soccer,
world cup
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Rob Robson
Co-founder, iStadia.com
Keith
Keith Irving
iStadia
However, despite the negative press, Synergy Sponsorship director of comms Stephanie Branston said: ‘The Thierry Henry brand is not irreversibly damaged. His value to sponsors will not suffer in the long-term although I would not envisage too many Irish companies beating down the door of Henry's agent this week offering brand endorsements.'
She added: ‘As a role model to millions and a footballer who was widely perceived to demonstrate true sporting values, his biggest crime was missing the opportunity to right a wrong and show genuine sportsmanship on the pitch immediately after the incident. His reputation may forever be tarnished on public record by that decision but his commercial value, as one of the most dazzling players of his generation, will hold firm.'
The sports pages of the national papers have all led with the story for a second day running. The Guardian also featured the story on the front page with the headline: ‘Hands-on Henry becomes public enemy numéro un.'
Threepipe co-founder Eddie May concurred with Branston and said: ‘Thierry Henry has had a reputation of being one of the most sporting players. He has a good reputation in England as a fair player and a nice guy. His image and brand will not be affected in the long-term. He doesn't play in England now and it will quickly be forgotten.'
Gillette has vowed to stand by its sponsorship of the star following the controversy. Brand communications manager of Procter & Gamble grooming James Nunn told PRWeek: ‘We are distanced from what happens on the pitch. We are not in a position to comment on refereeing decisions and they allowed the goal to stand.'
Keith
Keith Irving
iStadia
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