THIERRY HENRY yesterday called time on a distinguished and controversial international career.

World Cup Group A

IT came too late to save the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams but it seems the furore surrounding Thierry Henry’s infamous handball in Paris last November has persuaded UEFA of the need to give referees greater assistance.

ARSENE WENGER has revealed that Dutch striker Robin Van Persie will be back at the club this week from rehab, but insisted that he is still a month away from returning to the first team.

Cesc Fabregas is poised to return from injury as Arsenal entertain West Ham on Saturday, but William Gallas’ fitness is an ongoing concern for manager Arsene Wenger.

REPUBLIC of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni says he has forgiven Thierry Henry for his infamous handball in their World Cup play-off in Paris last November.

Arsene Wenger has no doubts his battle-weary Arsenal squad have the strength to maintain their challenge for honours on all fronts.

ARSENE WENGER says he cannot believe the furore which has surrounded William Gallas’ tackle on Bolton midfielder Mark Davies – and is “absolutely amazed” nobody cares when Arsenal get kicked off the park.

FIFA will come under pressure to change their rules after Thierry Henry escaped punishment for his handball against Ireland.

Thierry Henry will face FIFA’s disciplinary committee today over his infamous handball against the Ireland.

Thierry Henry will face FIFA’s disciplinary committee tomorrow over his infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland.

Giovanni Trapattoni has dismissed reports he will be appointed as Turkey’s new coach later this week.

A job done and a test passed, perhaps, but this is only a small step for Arsenal against a team that has now lost 10 games this season and was chasing the game with Philipp Degen leading the attack.

Paul McShane admits he is still “sick” over the shattering end to his World Cup dream.

THIERRY HENRY is facing the prospect of being banned from the start of next summer’s World Cup finals after FIFA announced their disciplinary committee had opened proceedings against the French striker for his infamous hand ball.

Republic of Ireland chiefs have launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Sepp Blatter after ending their bid for World Cup justice.

Former France coach Michel Hidalgo has claimed FIFA’s decision not to name France as one of the eight top seeds for next summer’s World Cup might have been punishment for Thierry Henry’s handball.

The Republic of Ireland have made one last stand to play in next year’s World Cup finals by asking FIFA to allow them in as a 33rd nation following their controversial play-off defeat to France.

ARSENAL winger Theo Walcott has vowed to take Arsene Wenger’s advice about concentrating on club football and putting the World Cup to the back of his mind for now.

France captain Thierry Henry admits he considered quitting international football following the uproar caused by his part in the goal which sent Les Bleus to the World Cup finals at the Republic of Ireland’s expense.

Kevin Kilbane has laid the blame for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup heartbreak firmly at the door of referee Martin Hansson, claiming the official did not know whether or not Thierry Henry had handled the ball in the run-up to France’s goal.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has ridiculed calls for the second leg of France’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed by offering a rematch on his Playstation.

MANCHESTER CITY manager Mark Hughes is confident his goalkeeper Shay Given has the mental toughness to cope with his World Cup agony.

ROY HODGSON is sure Damien Duff will bounce back from his World Cup heartbreak.

REFEREE Martin Hansson broke his silence yesterday by insisting “life must go on” after his blunder contributed to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit.

ROY KEANE believes that Ireland have only themselves to blame for failing to qualify for the World Cup and says that, instead of protesting about Thierry Henry’s handball and calling for a replay, they should just “get over it”.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is confident his goalkeeper Shay Given has the mental toughness to cope with his World Cup agony.

The Republic of Ireland would almost certainly not be able to challenge FIFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport over replaying the World Cup play-off with France.

France captain Thierry Henry has admitted replaying the World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland would be “the fairest solution”.

Referee Martin Hansson broke his silence today by insisting “life must go on” after his blunder sealed the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit on Wednesday.

The France Football Federation believe the controversy of their World Cup qualification should be put aside following FIFA’s decision that the play-off against the Republic of Ireland will not be replayed.

Damien Duff was left to bemoan another ’Hand of God’ moment as the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dreams were torn apart in France.

FIFA today dashed the Republic of Ireland’s hopes of replaying their World Cup qualifying play-off with France.

FORMER Republic of Ireland captain, Kenny Cunningham has downplayed accusations Thierry Henry cheated when handling the ball twice in the build-up to William Gallas’ decisive extra time goal for France on Wednesday night.

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni wants FIFA to explain their choice of referee for last night’s World Cup play-off against France in Paris.

The FAI have confirmed that it will lodge a complaint with FIFA following last night’s World Cup play-off match between France and the Republic of Ireland in Paris.

Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne is coming to terms with being “cheated” out of a place in next summer’s World Cup finals.

Giovanni Trapattoni admitted he would rather have suffered the heartache of penalty shoot-out defeat that see the Republic of Ireland were dumped out by William Gallas’ controversial winner.

CHEATING. Disgusting. A tragedy.

Arsenal 6 Blackburn 2

ARSENE WENGER once revealed how life in Japan, his home for a year while in charge of Grampus Eight, had changed him.

HULL manager Phil Brown intends to continue “getting up people’s noses” despite the acrimonious events of midweek.

Five people arrested over an international sex trafficking and prostitution racket were released without charge today.