REPUBLIC of Ireland defender Richard Dunne is devastated about being "cheated" out of a place in next summer's World Cup finals.
Ireland lost a dramatic play-off 2-1 on aggregate in Paris as a result of William Gallas' extra-time goal.
However, the Irish players were furious that Swedish referee Martin Hansson had not spotted Thierry Henry's handball before he delivered the decisive 103rd-minute cross.
Former Manchester City captain Dunne, who spoke to Henry on the final whistle, said: "He admitted afterwards he handled it, but it doesn't make me feel any better because we are not going to the World Cup finals.
"FIFA will probably be happy. Yet again the big decisions have gone for the bigger team.
"There has to be a case for matches of this importance for a fourth official to look at replays and get the calls right.
"We were cheated tonight."
Robbie Keane, who fired the Republic ahead on the night 13 minutes before the break, was equally frustrated, claiming FIFA president Sepp Blatter and his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini got the result they would have wanted.
"They're all probably clapping hands, Platini sitting up there on the phone to Sepp Blatter, probably texting each other, delighted with the result," said the Tottenham striker.
Henry himself admitted he had handled the ball but laid responsibility for the goal being allowed at the door of referee Hansson.
"It was a handball, but I'm not the ref," he said.
"The ball hit my arm, fell in front of me and I played it. The ref allowed it. That's a question you should ask him."
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni was left to reflect upon the biggest disappointment of his career.
Trapattoni said: "The referee had time to ask the linesman and then after to ask Henry.
"It would not have been the first time a player would have asked and it would not have been out of turn.
"I am upset for fair play. We talk many times about fair play, I go to schools and talk to young children about the importance of fair play, and this happens.
"I spoke to the referee and I told him I know many Swedish players and Swedish people, but he may have made a great mistake."
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City Fan, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town (19/11/2009 at 12:07)
Knowall, stretford end (19/11/2009 at 12:59)
Britt/Canada (19/11/2009 at 13:19)
Bill, Carlisle, Cumbria (19/11/2009 at 15:32)
As for the handball I wouldn't blame the Ref. From the angles shown on TV last night he looked a little unsighted to me. The linesman on the far side however appeared to have an unobstructed view and should have had good sight of the handball from what was a front-on position. There was no flag, and therefore no need for the Ref to consult him. The linesman was the one at fault and coincidentally it was the same guy who didn't flag for Anelka's blatant dive.
Harry Clarke (19/11/2009 at 15:46)
Harry from Ireland.
Monkey tennis?, yes please (19/11/2009 at 16:17)
bobbydazzler (19/11/2009 at 16:19)
if fifa had any balls they would ban him for 6 games ensuring the cheat did not play in the world cup.
what do you thing blatter and platini would have to say if it had been an englishman cheating france.
steve wilson (19/11/2009 at 16:45)
Regarding Henry;I am disgusted that he has said today it was accidental as the TV replays clearly show that there was a double movement of his hand.
mr cee (19/11/2009 at 16:46)
New Jersey fan, edison, nj (19/11/2009 at 17:43)
United Fan,Edison,New Jersey
Red Bear, Heaton Park (19/11/2009 at 22:20)
And yet, Damien Duff, John O'Shea and Robbie Keane, hang your heads; you had chances in the 2nd half to put this game out of the reach of the pathetic French and the schemers from Fifa and Uefa who were channelling the old guard through to the finals.
Lastly, 3 cheers for Slovenia! I remember how the Russkies cheated Wales into the 2004 Euros, over playing a drug cheat. If the boot had been on the other foot, they'd have thrown the book at Wales. Enjoy it on TV, Arshavin!
CTID Block 219 (19/11/2009 at 22:50)
ENGINEER, Heywood (20/11/2009 at 00:05)
Also three times Keane was pulled up for hand ball trying to get control of the ball and screamed at the ref, who was right each time. Also I bet the IRish would have accepted it if The time Keane used his hand of his thigh had turned the ball into the net for a second goal.
It has been known for player to dive to head the ball then use their hand to knock it into the net, have these games ever been replayed, no.
I feel for the Irish much as I did when England went out to the hand of god goal there was not this outcry then was there. In Henry's defence it was instinctive as anyone who has played football will know why did I put my hand up and give that pen away it just happened was not planned. Also the Irish had the chances to sew it up but did not take at least two easy ones.
Blueflu, Ireland (20/11/2009 at 08:26)
I seem to remember a similar cheating incident involving Henry in the last world cup from which a free and a goal resulted.
To be honest we shouldnt have allowed it to go this far. We should have won it over the period of 12 or so odd games in the qualifications. That said we are where we are and i have say two days on from it people are still smarting from it here. The free kick was itself off side then he handled it twice...., not to mention the celebration...Those of you who know Given as a player either from his at Newcastle and at City know he does not criticise referees without reason. The reation of the whole team was one of shock. To be honest I don't want to see the thing replayed or to give them (France) another chance of redemption. Premiership games involving Irish and French games will have some extra spiceLet them suffer, let them be booed at the upcoming world cup. Good luck to England. I think I'll be an ABF for South Africa.
dessie, manchester (20/11/2009 at 08:32)