Republic of Ireland

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Keane takes aim at FAI

20 Nov 2009 - 13:47:49

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Roy Keane has launched a furious outburst aimed at the Football Association of Ireland following their failed request to have Wednesday's World Cup play-off with France replayed.

The FAI asked FIFA to consider a replay after France booked their place in next summer's finals via a controversial goal which Thierry Henry later admitted to have handled.

"They can complain all they want but France are going to the World Cup - get over it," said a forthright Keane.

"France were there for the taking and Ireland didn't do it. Same old story."

The now Ipswich Town manager's anger was aimed predominantly at nation's footballing authorities.

During his time as a player, Keane walked out on Ireland's 2002 World Cup squad following a furious row with the FAI and then team manager Mick McCarthy.

The former Ireland captain added: "If I'd been there in the dressing room after the game, I wouldn't be talking about the handball. I'd focus on why the defenders didn't clear it. They should've cleared it.

"I'd be more annoyed with my defenders and my goalkeeper than Thierry Henry.

"Ireland had their chances in the two games and they never took them. They had chances at Croke Park (in the first leg) and they had chances on Wednesday.

"They didn't take them, but it's the usual FAI reaction - 'we've been robbed, the honesty of the game. It's rubbish."