Blatter defends Henry

Fifa president not critical of striker over handball

Last updated: 30th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Thierry Henry Hand Ball France Republic of Ireland

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Fifa president Sepp Blatter has revealed his support for Thierry Henry in the wake of the France striker's controversial handball.

Henry set up the goal that secured victory for Les Bleus in their World Cup play-off against Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

The goal should have been disallowed after Henry used his hand to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to head home.

Henry admitted after the game that it was handball but he has received fierce criticism for his actions and for not telling the referee immediately.

Blatter has now broken his silence over the incident, with L'Equipe newspaper reporting that he phoned Henry following the match to offer his backing.

"(Henry) was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee," the French newspaper quotes Blatter as saying.

"The referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."