This is a once in every 4 year deal. That is a huge chunk of a player's career. The least they could do is replay the game from the exact point when the handball occurred. I can understand the ruling if this occurred during a weekend english championship game, but this is the damn world cup. You better make up for the pathetic officiating.
What do you think would've happened if it was a country like England or Italy where there is such a strong backing in the sport? I feel terrible for Ireland and the Cup kind of lost its luster.
