Thierry Henry’s favourite Ref makes the World Cup

February 6th, 2010 | by: Rob |

thierry-henry-handball I don’t know if you recall, but France qualified for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa in quite controversial circumstances. To refresh your memory, Thierry Henry had to use his hand, twice, to get the ball across to William Gallas, so the latter could put France on that World Cup Plane. Ireland felt a bit miffed, but they might feel a bit more confused shortly.

The referee who allowed the goal, Martin Hansson, is in Fifa’s squad of referee’s who will make the World Cup in South Africa. One of his linesmen has also made it, Stefan Wittberg was included but Fredrik Nilsson missed out.

Seems a bit of an oversight by FIFA to be honest. I mean, all ref’s make mistakes, and a referee shouldn’t be endlessly punished for one mistake that they make.

But on the other hand – he made a big mistake in a high profile match, which hardly fills you with confidence. And by including him, its only drawn attention to the referees which probably isn’t what they need anyway.

A full list of the referee’s picked for SA is available in this slightly awkward document on the FIFA website.

Tags: 2010, FIFA, France, handball, Ireland, Martin Hansson, South Africa, Thierry Henry, World Cup, World Cup 2010

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Al

So it's settled- if anyone had doubts about why France got the initial 'group of life' for the WC, whether it was luck or a set up, stop wondering.
Sandra

I don't believe TH will go to the world cup, he has to much class for that.
Jackkk

I mean who the heck wants to see Irland in the world cup? c'mom people chill out. I wanna see top teams like France, spain, England battle it out. Not fucking Irland? WTF
John

Not a bad choice. He did a good job with Ireland-France. It was hard to see the handball because all the congestion in the box.
Jose76

lol, it was sarcasm!
Dave Trotter

Jose, I don't think there is an official out there that has 'never made a mistake'. If this was Madagascar vs. The Faroes, you would have heard nothing about it! I blame the linesman more than Hansson.
Jose76

Yeah, I wasn't criticizing your post, I was making fun of the ridiculous response some people have to this decision.

Cool the hell down.
Rob

"Outrageous! FIFA should only pick referees that have never ever ever made a mistake, regardless of quality."

Did you even read what I wrote?
Thomas

There is honestly no way you can fault Hansson for the "Hand of Gaul". He was not in a position to see the play (as you can see if you watch the footage) and exactly followed referee procedure afterwords. Whats the problem?
Jose76

Outrageous! FIFA should only pick referees that have never ever ever made a mistake, regardless of quality.