By Victor Lopez, World-Track Global
Zinedine Zidane of France looks on during an international match
PARIS — Former French international Zinedine Zidane says fellow countryman Thierry Henry is not a cheat and will get over his handball in France’s controversial World Cup playoff against Ireland.
“He (Henry) is not a cheat, I know him well,” Zidane was quoted as telling French television channel Canal Plus on Sunday.
“He will get over this. He made a mistake, like I made a mistake, even if I’m not making any comparisons. We all make mistakes.”
Henry handled the ball before setting up the equalising goal scored by William Gallas in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Ireland to send France to the World Cup with a 2-1 aggregate win.
However, Zidane, the former French and Real Madrid playmaker, who was sent off for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, said Henry had already apoligised by admitting he had handled the ball.
“The fact he said there was a handball means he has apologised,” Zidane said. “I’m not saying it was nothing but it was handball, that’s it.”
The French Football Federation (FFF) has ruled out a replay, saying world governing body FIFA’s decision that the result should stand was final.
Loading ...