Trapattoni: I forgive Henry

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.

The Republic were denied a place in this summer’s tournament in South Africa after Henry blatantly handled the ball in the build-up to William Gallas’ decisive goal for France, sparking mass outrage from all quarters although FIFA’s disciplinary committee have now ruled they have no power to sanction the Barcelona striker.

Trapattoni now admits he has put the events in Paris to bed, and says the bad feeling has passed.