I find it quite hilarious to see how all of the English speaking world jumps on the occasion to hate France again. Headlines like "France cheats its way into the World Cup" and "Add Thierry Henry to List of Sports Villains" are all over the place.

Actually the case seems quite clear. Take a look here: [link] (an animation ~D-Mizton posted). The French' soccer player Thierry Henry controls the ball with his hand before delivering a cross pass to William Gallas who scored the winning goal in a match against Ireland, last Wednesday. As a result France goes to the World Cup finals and Ireland doesn't.

So?

Henry used his hand, and the goal was approved. But hey, who's fault is that? Only Henry's? Or maybe the referee's, because he was too far away to see what happened? The linesmen, because they didn't see it either? Or the FIFA's, because they are still against video replay, 20 years after Maradona's Hand-of-God decided a World Cup match in similar circumstances? Or maybe it's the fault of Big Business, because there are so many millions at stake? Or rather the public, because of the enormous pressure they put on the players?

You choose.

Actually, it's not the point.

Thierry Henry has always been known as a gentleman. His anti-racism work and sense of fair play have earned him honours and awards for years. And now suddenly he has become a Big Villain?

Or is it because he's from France, the country everybody loves to hate?


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