The desperate attempt of Thierry Henry to get his Bleus on the plane to South Africa has to be punished by FIFA.

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In a game in which Ireland dominated, they were eventually robbed in extra time by Henry's 'assist' for France.

He controlled the ball not once but twice from going out of play, then crossed for the receiving William Gallas to score from close range. The reaction of the two men after the ball hit the back of the net spoke volumes.

Henry charged, yelling, screaming and apparently full of joy, back to the centre circle, whilst Gallas hardly celebrated. Indeed, Gallas is a fragile figure - he knew all too well that the Irish had been robbed.

The jubilant French fans couldn't have seen what had happened. The referee should also not be blamed, although a finger could be pointed to the linesman.

One is reminded of the extra official UEFA have trialled for the Europa Cup to stand in the exact spot where Henry's handball would have been seen.

In a 2005 World Cup qualifier, Uzbekistan's game with Bahrain was replayed due to a controversial incident involving a penalty. Now Irish fans and even Irish politics have got involved to order FIFA to replay this game.

The aforementioned match, however, was replayed because of a blatant refereeing error and not because the official did not see the incident.

If a replay is ordered, it will be down to the French solely as a gesture. Even then, FIFA may still abandon the very idea. However, suggesting a replay will give the public confidence in the Federation, although such a development seems unlikely.

Henry has served his clubs and country with the utmost professionalism throughout his entire career, although one is reminded of the dive he took to earn a free-kick in the 2006 Champions League Final against Barcelona, from which Arsenal took the lead.

So what of the outcome? FIFA will probably not change the result but instead give Henry a hefty fine and perhaps a small ban. But the pressure is on FIFA to react - and react quickly. After all, it is 'for the good of the game'.