I Feel Ireland's Pain - Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has shown his support to an unlucky Republic of Ireland side, stating that his men have also been unjustly treated.

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Giovanni Trapattoni’s crew were denied a World Cup spot due to a blatant Thierry Henry handball which went unpunished and resulted in a goal.

But the 67-year-old Red Devils boss has stated that he was one the receiving end of a similar farce only a fortnight a go, during their 1-0 loss to Chelsea - one which he believes may have cost his men the title.

Ferguson’s outrage is in relation to referee Martin Atkinson's failure to spot an alleged foul on Wes Brown by Didier Drogba in the build-up to the Blues' winner.

“My thoughts were with Trapattoni, he prepared the Ireland team and got an absolute magnificent performance from them,” he told The Mirror.

“You couldn't ask for better from a coach and it's been taken away from him.

“But two weeks ago Drogba pulled down Brown and there was obviously not a hullabaloo like this.”

The Scot added that whilst the decision may have cost his side, at least they had the chance to pull through, whereas Ireland have no such opportunity to bounce back.

Ferguson said: “That’s how important decision-making can be. But you just have to get on with it.

“We’re capable of recovering from it but Ireland can’t recover. The World Cup finals have gone for them.”

Omar Dabbagh, Goal.com UK