GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI last night asked if FIFA had changed the rules of the offside law after seeing Ángel di María’s controversial first-half lob defeat a plucky Ireland side at the opening international at the Aviva Stadium.

Speaking to his assistant, stand-in coach Marco Tardelli, on the phone from his hospital bed after undergoing stomach surgery, Trapattoni queried why di María’s 20th-minute goal had been allowed to stand, despite the winger being offside when the ball was passed on by Gonzalo Higuain.

After the game, Tardelli told reporters that while he and Trapattoni were frustrated with the decision, “we must pay attention in those moments because it is impossible to concede a goal from the long pass from the goalkeeper.”

Trapattoni was said to be pleased with Ireland’s second-half performance, however, with his young side showing far more temerity and attacking nous than in the opening 45 minutes.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Ireland seemed to do best after Argentine star Lionel Messi was substituted on the hour mark.

The goal was the story of the night, however, with Ireland keeper Shay Given and captain Robbie Keane – celebrating his hundredth appearance in the green shirt – leading the protests to the linesman after di María’s effort was adjudged legal.

The protests had echoes of the infamous Thierry Henry handball in Paris last November – an occasion that reared its head when UEFA president Michel Platini, in town to visit the stadium holding this year’s Europa League final, was shown on the big screens only to be met with vicious jeers.

By comparison, the appearance of Johnny Giles was welcomed with hearty cheers, while Kenny Dalglish was also greeted with firm applause.

Trapattoni is expected to be released from hospital at the weekend and will be fully fit to take charge of the side’s next engagements, back-to-back Euro 2012 qualifiers against Armenia and Andorra.