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Angry Given: We feel cheated

20 Nov 2009 - 07:48:04

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Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has accused Thierry Henry of cheating him out of one final World Cup appearance.

Given, 33, believes South Africa next summer was his final chance of featuring on football's biggest stage and that Henry's actions in Paris on Wednesday night have robbed him of his swansong.

Henry's handball in the build-up to William Gallas' extra-time equaliser sent France through to the finals via a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

Referee Martin Hansson failed to spot what the France skipper later admitted and the FAI have asked FIFA to consider replaying the controversial game in Paris.

However, despite admitting his amazement that the referee failed to spot the infringement, much of Given's anger has been aimed at the former Arsenal and now Barcelona striker.

"It could be the last time, it could be. I don't know what's around the corner, I don't know if I will make another one, and that makes it even more heart-breaking," said Given, who represented the Republic at the 2002 World Cup.

"I have only played in one and here we were the better team and deserved to go to the World Cup. But we are not going, so it is hard to take.

"I don't know if he (the referee) spoke to the fourth official or the linesman or someone. It was so blatant and we were so strongly protesting because we just felt somebody must have seen it, it was so blatant.

"How he didn't see it was beyond belief - maybe he did see it, I don't know.

"The seeding thing was bad enough, but then to go out of a World Cup like this is extremely hard to take.

"We do feel as if we have been cheated, not to go to the World Cup finals.

"He (Henry) cheated to win the game. I don't often say that, but that's how it was. He clearly cheated and they won the game from that."

The Manchester City keeper added: "The ref tried to say it was his chest - it was nowhere near his chest. It was disgusting. It's a disgrace, to be honest. How the ref or the linesman can't see it is absolutely ridiculous.

"I never normally have a go at referees or linesmen, but it is so blatant, it's disgusting.

"He handballed it twice - he stopped it and then pulled it back in. It's remarkable.

"We feel cheated by both Henry and the officials. It's disgusting."