Some people still can’t forgive Henry for that handball

Tue, 16 Dec, 2014 - 12:00

Grainne McGuinness

Tributes are pouring in for Thierry Henry, after the former Arsenal star announced his retirement today.

The legendary striker is going to work for Sky Sports and most commentators have wished him well after an amazing career.

But some football fans, Irish and otherwise, still can’t forgive the Frenchman for the infamous handball 5 years ago that denied Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup.

Some were deadly serious -

Thierry Henry has retired. His career forever tainted by THAT handball. I'm Scottish and it sickened me, how must the Irish have felt?
— marc o'skelp (@marcoskelp) December 16, 2014

But a lot of the references to the incident were tongue-in-cheek -

Sky Sports have got themselves a real expert, any handball decisions and Thierry Henry can discuss them at length
— Steven (@stevenmorrish) December 16, 2014

Good luck to Thierry Henry in retirement. We'll never forget you. pic.twitter.com/HyLjL77yDV
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 16, 2014

Well, it took 5 years - but the guilt & shame have finally gotten to Thierry Henry #handball #Goodbye #retired #GotToHimInTheEnd
— Joe O'Shea (@josefoshea) December 16, 2014

Thierry Henry HANDBALL! retires from football and HANDBALL!becomes a pundit for Sky HANDBALL! Sports http://t.co/UUklkKIyBU HANDBALL!
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) December 16, 2014

For every backlash there is a counter-backlash - there were quickly people complaining about people complaining about the handball.

Anyone who thinks of Thierry Henry and thinks of the handball is a prat and probably has no joy in their life.
— Nick Wigmore (@THEREALWIGMORE) December 16, 2014

Although it has to be pointed out we are not the only country to get upset about handball incidents.

Selective recap of @ThierryHenry career by @SkySportsNewsHQ.Left out the handball Vs Ireland. Surely you wouldnt do the same with diego?
— Dalton Dullaghan (@daltondullaghan) December 16, 2014

But given that we are in the season of goodwill, maybe we should follow the lead of those who want us all to forgive and forget.

Regardless of his hand ball (which i forgave him for) I will forever and always be in love with Thierry Henry! #14
— KarenKielt (@KarenKielt1) December 16, 2014

@Padraic14 @ThierryHenry I think we will forgive Thierry for the 'hand ball'..... what with Christmas and all. #seasonsgreetings
— Tuam Therapy Centre (@TuamTherapy) December 16, 2014

We'll leave the last word to these guys.