Iturralde Gonzalez was instructed to favor Ireland in match v Armenia? October 12, 2011 - 13:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chairman of the Armenian community of Slovakia Ashot Grigoryan said that on Monday, October 11, he was visited by representatives of the Slovak Football Federation, who possessed some information about the Armenia-Ireland UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier scheduled for the next day. According to Grigoryan, there was a suspicion that Spanish referee Iturralde Gonzalez was instructed to favor Ireland in the match and help them to play-offs, as the UEFA had to compensate Ireland's defeat in Paris in 2009, when France striker Thierry Henry, as he admitted later, had intentionally handled the ball to set up William Gallas’s decisive goal against Ireland. Grigoryan told PanARMENIAN.Net he wanted to contact the Armenian Football Federation over the issue but their mobile phones were switched off. On October 11, Armenia suffered a 2-1 defeat by Ireland. They were dealt a huge blow when keeper Roman Berezovsky was harshly sent off for handball. Ireland striker Simon Cox later admitted the ball brushed his arm before Berezovsky was sent off. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |