Thierry Henry Handball Vs. Ireland: Yeah, I Did It, So What?

We posted video and immediate reaction to the Thierry Henry handball vs. Ireland yesterday, which sealed France’s spot in the World Cup, but naturally the outrage has spilled over into Thursday. Quotes like this from the handballer himself don’t help matters:

“Yes, there is a handball but I am not the referee,” Henry admitted.

“I didn’t deliberately do it , but it was handball.

“I’m in the box, there are two defenders in front of me. The ball bounced off my hand, the referee did not see it and I played on.

“It doesn’t change anything to the fact that I’m happy we have qualified.”

Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is demanding a replay of the match, which -- while worth bringing up publicly -- is likely just a big waste of his breath, because it ain't happening:

“Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball – not to mention a double offside – and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of Fifa on the spot and demand a replay. […] They probably won’t grant it as we are minnows in world football but let’s put them on the spot,” the minister said.

Ireland assistant manager Liam Brady agrees:

“For the dignity and integrity of football, we will go to France and play again,” the coach said.

“(Fifa president) Sepp Blatter goes on about fair play – let him reflect on what happened last night.

“Where is football going if a team is cheated out of fair play? Where are we going if this decision stands?”

Meanwhile, “Thierry Henry” is a trending topic on Twitter today, so head there to be OUTRAGED with other fans. Or send your hate letters directed to Henry himself via his personal Twitter account.