FIFA have announced a disciplinary action against France captain Thierry Henry due to his handball incident which led to William Gallas scoring the winning goal against Ireland in their return leg play-off in Paris.

Aston Villa’s Dunne commented:

“It doesn’t affect me one little bit what FIFA will do with Thierry Henry. Whether he plays in the World Cup or not, I won’t be. Whatever FIFA do will probably be wrong anyway. From the moment the rules were changed for the play-offs, when the seedings were brought in, it was decided they wanted France through.”

Richard Dunne

He also added:

“It’s always the same way FIFA think about Irish football. Unless you are a massive country or have massive sponsorship you’re not going to be welcome. What’s this award that FIFA are going to give to Ireland? It is FIFA taking the mickey – give the Irish a plaque instead of going to the World Cup. It’s a sop. They can keep it. I would be very surprised if Robbie Keane, our captain, was going over to collect it.”

Irish Keeper Shay Given also admitted to the Daily Mail:

“I still feel angry about the whole thing. All the stuff from FIFA and Sepp Blatter – just rubbish. A couple of days ago Blatter said he’s spoken to Henry and how it wasn’t his fault, it was the referee’s. A couple of days on and FIFA say they’re going to look into Henry. To be fair to Thierry, he probably had the realisation at the end of the game that what he’s done is illegal. He’s cheated Ireland. I’m not saying he’s a cheat but what he’s done is illegal.”