Manchester United's French internatiopnal defender Patrice Evra has come out fighting in defence of teammate Thierry Henry, vilified for his handball in his country's World Cup qualifying win over Ireland.

Henry has been hit with a global deluge of criticism after his handball gave William Gallas the chance to score the goal which took the 1998 champions through to the finals in South Africa.

But Evra insists that Henry does not deserve to be slated.

"Titi (Henry) does not deserve this. Leave him in peace. Who made the mistake? The referee," Evra told L'Equipe sports daily Saturday.

Describing the clear handball as "an instinctive gesture" Evra added that Henry would have been vilified even more in his homeland had he gone to the referee and said the goal should be chalked off.

"Frankly, had he done that, I would have told to him, ‘Titi, you betrayed us’," said Evra.

Ireland have now dropped their initial demand for a replay - which FIFA summarily rejected - and Evra said tongue in cheek that the Irish could have a rematch if they wanted - but not on the pitch.

"I’ll replay the game whenever you want - on the PlayStation!"

AFP

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