Robbed!

Gahh!!!

“Villain Henry as Ireland, Ukraine, Russia exit in play-offs”

Thierry Henry will not be granted the freedom of Ireland after his nefarious part in the goal that decided France’s play-off with Ireland. It surely sent the Emerald Isle into a fervent rage they may long hold against the Barcelona striker after a 1-1 draw in Paris.

With Robbie Keane scoring the goal that placed the tie level at the Stade De France, and Ireland missing chances through both Keane and Damien Duff, justice will not be seen to have been served to a France team that continued to struggle under embattled coach Raymond Domenech. Extra-time dawned, after Nicolas Anelka had failed to secure a penalty with what looked a clear dive.

In the 103rd minute, a Florient Malouda free-kick found Henry, clearly offside in the first place. He used two clear touches of his hand to control the ball and then pass across the goal for an embarassed-looking William Gallas to nod in. Ireland and manager Giovanni Trapattoni flew into a justified rage. They exit the tournament with their dignity intact though, while France, losing finalists in 2006, deserve to be sheepish about their presence in South Africa. Their players - Henry especially - certainly looked so.

Well, I’ll definitely be rooting against France during the tournament next year. ;D

UPDATE

Video evidence:

UPDATE 2

“Henry admits using his hand to qualify France”

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) - France striker Thierry Henry admits he intentionally handled the ball to set up William Gallas’ equalizing goal, sending France to the World Cup at Ireland’s expense after an intense 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

With Ireland leading 1-0 and the match level on aggregate deep into the first period of extra time, France won a free kick and Henry twice handled the ball - stopping it going out of play, then controlling it - in setting up Gallas for a header.

After the match, the Barcelona striker said Swedish referee Martin Hansson was the main culprit for not spotting the infringement.

“I will be honest, it was a handball. But I’m not the ref,” Henry said. “I played it. The ref allowed it. That’s a question you should ask him.”