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Republic Of Ireland Beaten By FIFA's 'Double Standards' - Stoke City's Liam Lawrence

Potter points finger after disappointment in Paris...

Nov 22, 2009 1:49:42 PM

International Friendly: Liam Lawrence, Republic of Ireland v South Africa (PA)

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International Friendly: Liam Lawrence, Republic of Ireland v South Africa (PA)

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Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence has claimed that the Republic of Ireland have been the victims of an in-built FIFA bias against the smaller nations of world football.

Lawrence believes that if the situation surrounding Thierry Henry's handball in Wednesday night's play-off defeat to France were reversed that the decision would already have been taken to replay the game.

"If we’d done it to France, there would be an outrage," he said, according to The Mirror.

"It would be a different story and there would be a replay.

"It’s disgusting. It’s a disgrace. It’s cost us and the Irish nation from going to the World Cup.

"It’s not just a friendly we’re talking about, it’s a monster of a game.

"Is it my worst moment in football? I don’t know, but it’s the most scandalous. I don’t know how they can get away with it."

Lawrence clearly does not think too highly of Henry any more, nor his team-mates.

"He’s done what any player would do because you’re taught to play to the whistle. But he’s cheated," the Stoke midfielder added.

"He came up to us all after the game and apologised. I just shook my head.

"When France come on the telly next summer I think I’ll be switching off. I won’t be able to bear it."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

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