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Henry calls for fair play-off

20 Nov 2009 - 14:26:43

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Thierry Henry has conceded that the Republic of Ireland deserve a replay following his role in France's controversial World Cup play-off success over Giovanni Trapattoni's side.

Henry admitted handling the ball in the lead up to Les Bleus scoring a pivotal goal in extra-time during their second leg meeting with the Republic in Paris on Wednesday.

France went on to book their place in South Africa next summer following the contentious moment which was missed by the referee.

The Football Association of Ireland asked FIFA to consider replaying the game in a statement on Thursday.

Twenty-four hours later FIFA denied that request after insisting that no technical error had been committed by the referee and that his decision to let the goal stand was final.

However, after revealing his embarrassment, Henry has admitted the fairest outcome would be a replay.

"Naturally I feel embarrassed at the way that we won and feel extremely sorry for the Irish who definitely deserve to be in South Africa," he said in a statement.

"Of course the fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control."

The former Arsenal striker continued: "I have said at the time and I will say again that yes I handled the ball. I am not a cheat and never have been.

"It was an instinctive reaction to a ball that was coming extremely fast in a crowded penalty area.

"As a footballer you do not have the luxury of the television to slow the pace of the ball down 100 times to be able to make a conscious decision.

"People are viewing a slow motion version of what happened and not what I or any other footballer faces in the game.

"If people look at it in full speed you will see that it was an instinctive reaction.

"It is impossible to be anything other than that. I have never denied that the ball was controlled with my hand. I told the Irish players, the referee and the media this after the game."