lsgworldl
10-10-2004, 05:51 PM
The Republic of Ireland's Andy O'Brien has accused Fabien Barthez of being unsportsmanlike after being the target of what looked like a deliberate elbow.
The French keeper struck the 25-year-old in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at the Stade de France, resulting in a melee in the six-yard box.
Televison cameras captured the incident and the matter could be reviewed by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
"I was disappointed he caught me with his elbow," said O'Brien.
You only have to look at the TV replay to see what did happen
Andy O'Brien
"The reason I stood with Barthez was because he seemed to be claiming all the crosses, so I just stood my ground and as the ball was about to be played in, he caught me with his elbow.
"I am not making anything up. I think television will prove that, but whether anything will be done about it, I do not know.
"It is not something that is very sportsmanlike and it is a shame it happened.
"You only have to look at the TV replay to see what did happen. That is all I can say."
Despite the furore, it failed to take the shine off a sparkling Irish performance, with O'Brien a key figure at the heart of the back four alongside skipper Kenny Cunningham in keeping Thierry Henry and Co at bay.
I think Ireland can qualify as group winners, France look a spent force based on their performance last night
From Alfie
Have your say on 606
O'Brien has now played all three qualifying games under manager Brian Kerr.
"I have always had faith in my ability, but you have to wait until you are given a chance and I am grateful to Brian for giving me the opportunity," added O'Brien.
"It is vital we do not now waste these last two away results against Switzerland and France. There are still no easy games and we have to stay focused on the job ahead."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3731512.stm
The French keeper struck the 25-year-old in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at the Stade de France, resulting in a melee in the six-yard box.
Televison cameras captured the incident and the matter could be reviewed by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
"I was disappointed he caught me with his elbow," said O'Brien.
You only have to look at the TV replay to see what did happen
Andy O'Brien
"The reason I stood with Barthez was because he seemed to be claiming all the crosses, so I just stood my ground and as the ball was about to be played in, he caught me with his elbow.
"I am not making anything up. I think television will prove that, but whether anything will be done about it, I do not know.
"It is not something that is very sportsmanlike and it is a shame it happened.
"You only have to look at the TV replay to see what did happen. That is all I can say."
Despite the furore, it failed to take the shine off a sparkling Irish performance, with O'Brien a key figure at the heart of the back four alongside skipper Kenny Cunningham in keeping Thierry Henry and Co at bay.
I think Ireland can qualify as group winners, France look a spent force based on their performance last night
From Alfie
Have your say on 606
O'Brien has now played all three qualifying games under manager Brian Kerr.
"I have always had faith in my ability, but you have to wait until you are given a chance and I am grateful to Brian for giving me the opportunity," added O'Brien.
"It is vital we do not now waste these last two away results against Switzerland and France. There are still no easy games and we have to stay focused on the job ahead."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3731512.stm