Swedish ref pondered quitting over hand-ball furor
STOCKHOLM (AP)—The Swedish referee who failed to spot Thierry Henry’s hand ball in the World Cup playoff between France and Ireland says he considered quitting because of the furor.
Martin Hansson has spent eight years as an international referee. He said in Tuesday’s edition of the Swedish newspaper Sydostran that even his parents were hounded by photographers.
“I thought: Is the job really worth all this degradation that I have to hear?” he said. “Maybe this is not my thing.”
Last week, Henry’s hand ball set up the tying goal for teammate William Gallas in the playoff that helped give France a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 win on total goals. France advanced to next year’s tournament in South Africa at the expense of the Irish.
Although the hand ball appeared clear, it was not spotted by the referee or linesmen and the goal stood. Ireland appealed for a replay but FIFA rejected it.
Hansson said he wasn’t to blame nor were his linesmen because their views were obstructed.
“I realize that it was not my fault,” he told the newspaper. “It was an unfortunate event that had big consequences for Ireland, but it wasn’t the fault of the refereeing team.”
The 38-year-old Hansson began his professional career as a referee in 1992. He is to work a Champions League game Dec. 8 or 9 and is looking forward to getting back on the field.
“It feels good to get a match so soon after this unfortunate episode,” he said. “But best of all has been the support I’ve had from players and team officials.”
- China beats South Korea at East Asian Championship
- Sydney and Australia's Corica to retire
- Tevez, Adebayor give Man City 2-0 win over Bolton
- US women's soccer team to play Mexico twice
- Bremen beats Hoffenheim in German Cup
- Ronaldinho left off Brazil for final friendly
- Portsmouth still threatened by winding up order
- Albania club accuses players of match fixing
- Barcelona: We are not talking with Fabregas
- Libertad, Once Caldas, win in Libertadores openers
- Bundesliga head says WCup security a concern
- Quevilly stuns Rennes to reach French Cup quarters
- Ronaldinho omitted for Brazil's exhibition
- Uruguay announces friendly against Swiss
- Gullit heads Netherlands-Belgium World Cup bid
- Barcelona defender Abidal out 8 weeks with injury
