Blatter says Henry was honest

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has come out in support of French international Thierry Henry following the controversial hand-ball assist which helped Les Bleus qualify for the World Cup at the expense of the Republic of Ireland.

The former Arsenal and current Barcelona striker admitted that the ball had been controlled illegally but stressed at all times that it was not done deliberately.

“(Henry) was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn’t his responsibility to tell the referee,” Blatter was quoted as saying in L’Equipe.

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