Handball will haunt you: Bruce

Nov 22 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

STEVE BRUCE believes Thierry Henry’s handball has tarnished the Frenchman’s reputation as one of football’s greatest stars.

Former Arsenal hero Henry has been branded a cheat after admitting he twice handled the ball before setting up William Gallas for the extra-time goal that saw France pip the Republic of Ireland to a place at next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

The play-off was headed for a penalty shoot-out until Gallas’ goal gave the French a 1-1 draw in Paris, and a 2-1 win on aggregate.

There have been calls from the Irish FA – and backed by Henry himself – for the tie to be replayed, but FIFA have said that the result will stand.

Asked if the incident would see Barcelona striker Henry lose some respect in the eyes of the footballing world, Bruce said: “Possibly. The first one (handball) I think hit him, the second one he certainly knew what he was doing.”

But Bruce was honest enough to admit that, had it been one of his own players who had committed a similar offence, he would have found himself in a dilemma.