Tempers flare between the Republic and France
Considering a place in the World Cup finals was at stake, you would expect there to be an edge in the game between Republic of Ireland and France.
There was a war of words between both camps prior to the build up, with both sides casting aspersions on the chances of the opposition. This is part and parcel of the game and not unexpected given what was stake.
The Republic huffed and puffed but it was a fortunate strike from Nicolas Anelka that gave France a crucial 1-0 lead and makes them undoubted favourites for the second leg. This result would have seen both sets of players hit the polar opposites in moods.
Therefore, it wouldn’t take much to set off some aggression and anger on what was an emotional night but it appears that Lassana Diarra may have overstepped the mark after the final whistle.
Those within the stadium and watching on television witnessed the French midfielder almost come to blows with Keith Andrews before a mass of players swarmed round the two players and order was eventually restored. It transpires that Diarra raised the ire of Andrews by remarking “**** off Irish *****, you are out.”
Thanks to HD Live Sports
Any player who knows that their best chance of making a World Cup finals have been dealt a hammer blow will be feeling low so hearing an opposition make a remark like that would undoubtedly left Andrews fuming. No one could lack both teams for effort on Saturday night, even if their emotions weren’t always channelled in the right direction.
Was Diarra right?
Sometimes in football, these things have a habit of coming round and biting you back. This insult may have caused a sense of injustice which may see the Irish team fired up for the re-match in Paris. The tie, whilst tilted towards France is by no means over and you can bet Andrews will be desperate to get on the end of a set-play and fire his nation back into contention for World Cup 2010.
Maybe Diarra was right or maybe come Wednesday night he will have wished he kept his mouth shut.
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