Thierry Henry Handball Against Ireland Was An Accident - Pele

Pele has expressed sympathy with the Republic of Ireland after their controversial exit from the World Cup, but insists that Thierry Henry's handball was an accident.

The France striker clearly handled the ball in the run-up to William Gallas's decisive goal in the play-off game in Paris, but it was not seen by the referee or his assistants.

The goal stood and the Irish went out, though the FAI later made a request to FIFA that the game be replayed. FIFA turned down the request.

"Maybe the linesman could help, but even the linesman didn't see," Pele told reporters at a press conference in Dublin today.

"We say fair play, but I don't think it was unfair because this is something that goes in one second, you know.

"The result was unfair. Unfortunately you cannot change that. But the result was unfair no doubt.

"But the mistake that happened, well, anybody can make a mistake.

“I think he [Henry] did it accidentally. I don't think he thought he was going to put the hand on the ball to cross the ball. Unfortunately, this happens.”