Thierry Henry handball causes web storm

Football forums are awash with comments from outraged football fans after Ireland were knocked out of the World Cup by a contentious goal.

Thierry Henry admitted to handling the ball in the run-up to William Gallas' winning goal, scored in the 14th minute of extra time, with TV replays appearing to show that he touched the ball twice with his left hand to control it before crossing the ball to Gallas.

"As far as I'm concerned all the good things Henry has done in the past have been wiped out by his cheating last night," one surfer wrote on the BBC's 606 forum.

Thierry Henry's Wikipedia page defaced

"Players who bring the game into disrepute should face stiff penalties. Since the authorities showed their cowardice when Maradonna cheated, players know they can do whatever they want to hoodwink the ref with no comeback," wrote another.

However, some defended Henry's actions. "If the shoe was on the other foot, the Irish fans would be jubilant and saying that it's not cheating if you dont get caught by the referee."

Already, 36 different groups using the name 'Thierry Henry is a cheat' have been set up on Facebook. None of the groups has more than 320 members, but a profile page entitled 'We Irish hate Thierry Henry (the cheat)' has more than 25,000 fans.

On Thursday morning, the terms 'Thierry Henry' and 'Ireland' were high on the trending topics on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"Thierry Henry is a disgrace, football needs to get with the times and bring in video referees," one Twitter member wrote.

However, FIFA makes no reference whatsoever to Henry's role in Gallas' goal in one report, simply describing the 'Key Moment' of the game as:

"After 180 hard-fought minutes, the fate of both teams was decided by a moment of drama in extra time. The outcome remained in the balance until the very last second, and when the final whistle was blown the disappointed Irish could hold their heads up high."

In another report, it does mention that Henry admitted handling the ball but refers to it as a "stroke of luck".

What did you think of Henry's role in Gallas' goal? Have your say in the Web User forums.


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