Hansson: I cried after ‘Hand of Gaul’ gaffe

MISSING the call to spot Thierry Henry’s handball made referee Martin Hansson cry and will likely prevent the Swedish referee taking charge of a match at this World Cup.

Hansson was philosophical about his role as a specialist fourth official in South Africa, consigned to the sideline as the only European referee on standby while nine colleagues get their moments in the middle.

“I think now it’s too late,” Hansson said when asked if he and his two regular assistants still hoped to be awarded their own match.