(Thumbnail image: Sky Sports)

That was the goal that propelled France into the World Cup and eliminated the Irish.  French superstar Thierry Henry clearly touched the ball with his hand but says he did not do it on purpose.

How should FIFA, the governing body of soccer, respond? Some, including Henry, have said France and Ireland should replay the match, but The Sun reports that is not going to happen.  

“The Irish have asked FIFA for a rematch, but FIFA has rejected that request, despite the fact the French striker and referee associations have admitted their was an error.”

ninemsn in Australia reports the match is now a diplomatic incident, and one Irish politician says there is no reason it cannot be replayed.

“While the French president was thrilled with the result, the Irish government is fuming.  It wants FIFA to declare the match invalid, but soccer’s governing body says the referees’ decision, and therefore the result, is final.  ‘I don’t accept that because FIFA, quite clearly, whoever issued that statement, didn’t look up the precedent and there is precedent.  They themselves ordered a rematch back in 2005 between Uzbekistan and Bahrain, much against a lot of opposition.” 

Former French footballer David Ginola gave some insight to BBC News about what the mood is like in his country and says most of the French want the game to be replayed.   

“First of all I would like to start with, on behalf of all the French people, we are very sorry about what happened.  This is honest, this is honest, like most of my fellow countrymen, we feel ashamed about the situation.  We know that we’re going to South Africa for the next World Cup, but we’re not feeling great about that.  This is a feeling of let’s do a replay.  A survey today in France, 80 percent of the French people think there must be a replay.” 

Many fans and pundits have called Henry a cheater.  However, English football icon David Beckham tells Sky News he believes Henry when the Frenchman says he did not touch the ball on purpose.

“I really don’t think he meant it, it’s a shame to see Ireland go out because they’ve got such great fans and so passionate.  These things happen in football, and whether it’s right or whether it’s wrong, I really don’t think he meant it.”  

Finally, ESPN soccer analysts say this whole situation could have been avoided if FIFA would embrace technology.  

“Well yes, something has to be done.  I mean obviously the officials just can’t do it on their own; they need some help, give them some video help.  It doesn’t take that much, it only takes a couple of seconds.”

"Yeah, I mean it’s a no-brainer, at least in big competitions, because I don’t think they can make everyone do it, and it’s probably very, very expensive, and it can’t be done in all countries around the world, but for qualifying for the major competitions, I think that it’s time that they do.”

So what do you think?  Should the match be replayed?  Is Henry a cheater?

Writer: Michael Bittner

Producer: Kelsey Waananen