Arsenal and France legend Bacary Sagna has warned that Irish fans could score a big own goal by turning the Aviva Stadium into a cauldron of hate next month.
Sagna reckons France are “hated” in Ireland because of the Thierry Henry handball over 13 years ago.
The ex-Gunners star played in both legs of the 2010 World Cup play-off - and admits Les Bleus were fortunate that VAR was not around when Henry handled in the build-up to William Gallas’ crucial extra-time goal.
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However, he has cautioned that Irish fans could play right into French hands if they try to stir up a hostile atmosphere during next month’s World Cup qualification opener.
“I definitely expect a hostile atmosphere from Ireland because we stopped them from qualifying for the World Cup,” Sagna, who also lined out for Manchester City, told Premier League Odds.
“We are probably hated in Ireland, the fans will try to put pressure on us, but the current generation of players don't have anything to do with it so they might not feel the pressure.
“But we did knock Ireland out of the Euros in 2016, so they might want revenge in that too.
“I think the France players will like the atmosphere and pressure, you want to be playing a game with something on the line.
“France will want to get back to their best, they will be disappointed from the World Cup final and I imagine they will want to come out on the front foot against Ireland.”
As for the Henry controversy, Sagna said: “VAR would have ruled the Thierry Henry goal against Ireland in 2009 out. Yes, it was a clear handball.
“But who knows, they might've made a mistake like they did in the Arsenal versus Brentford game.
“If Henry did not score that goal, it would have gone to penalties and it would have been 50/50. We will never know.
“It was difficult for the referee to have spotted the handball, there were too many players in the box.
“He made his apology after but it's difficult for one referee to see everything. Even I did not see it was a handball.”
The ex-City ace also gave his thoughts on former Ireland Under-21 international and current England star Jack Grealish.
He reckons Grealish has finally gotten to grips with the amount of work needed to succeed at the Etihad.
“Jack Grealish has been different from last year,” said Sagna.
“I think he expected too much last season because he thought he would score lots of goals and get lots of assists from the quality Manchester City players.
“Now he's realised he has to work hard and not everything will come his way easily.”
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