Beckham: Henry is not a cheat

David Beckham has defended Thierry Henry following the France striker's controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

Henry has been condemned as a cheat following his part in the decisive goal in Wednesday night's game in Paris.

But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it. I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football.

"I've had a few headlines in the past which have not been nice but I don't think he is a cheat."

Asked whether he would have done the same thing in a similar situation, Beckham told Sky Sports News: "Who knows in that situation? You're playing in a qualifier to go through to the World Cup; you don't know what you're doing.

"I've been involved in big games and reacted to certain things and looked back and thought I was wrong to do that."