Pele: Irish defeat unfair

Brazilian soccer legend Pele today claimed France’s crucial World Cup qualifying victory over Ireland was unfair.

While the sporting superstar said he believed Thierry Henry’s now infamous handball was an accident, he sided with the demoralised Irish over the result.

“I dont think it (the handball) was unfair, because this is something that goes in one second,” Pele said.

“The result was unfair, but unfortunately you cannot change that, the result is unfair no doubt.

He added: “I think .... he (Henry) did it accidentally.”

Pele was in Dublin to raise funds for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children and another kids hospital in Brazil.

Tickets for an evening with the star tonight in the Burlington Hotel are going for €250.

But giving a sneak preview of what awaits those attending, the legendary player shared his thoughts on soccer, his name, and prospects for next year’s World Cup.

Born Edison Arantes do Nascimento, Pele joked in broken English he was given his now world-renowned name by kids at his school who used to tease him.

“I fight with them, I get two days suspended,” he recalled.

“I don’t like this name... today I love it.”

And while the superstar would not be drawn on who would clinch the World Cup, he ruled out England.

“To win not, but to be in the final yes,” he said.

“England, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, even if they weren’t very good, they have experience to play in the World cup.”