PFA won't condemn Henry

Taylor defends under-fire striker

Last updated: 20th November 2009  

PFA won't condemn Henry

Henry: Backed by Taylor

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Gordon Taylor does not believe Thierry Henry should be blamed for Republic of Ireland's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

France's winning goal in their tie with Republic of Ireland should have been disallowed after Henry handballed before crossing for William Gallas to score.

The incident was not seen by the referee or his assistant, while Henry has been criticised for not coming forward and saying that he used his hand.

PFA chief executive Taylor, however, believes it is too simplistic to say that the striker has set a bad example for young players to follow.

"I don't think it is fair to put that burden on Thierry Henry," he told Sky Sports News.

"In general he has been top quality for the game and I wouldn't want to condemn him for that."

Technology

Taylor has every sympathy for Ireland and feels the mistake would have been avoided if television replays were used like in other sports.

"We should be at the cutting edge with the use of technology," he explained.

"The game is so covered by television cameras and I have seen it used so well by other sports such as Rugby League, Rugby Union, cricket and tennis, and I just feel we are going to continue to have errors of judgement.

"It is injustice because Ireland didn't deserve that and the whole world has seen that."