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French sports teachers angered by Henry handball

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-20 10:12

PARIS: France's sports teachers are outraged by the manner in which the national football team qualified for next year's World Cup.

A frame grab taken from November 19, 2009 TV footage shows French striker Thierry Henry handling the ball during the team's match against the Republic of Ireland. [Agencies]

The sports teachers' main union said Thursday in a statement that Raymond Domenech's team advanced to the tournament following "indisputable cheating" and said the French football federation should have condemned Thierry Henry's handball.

France secured a 1-1 draw with a controversial goal in extra time and beat Ireland 2-1 on aggregate to qualify on Wednesday.

William Gallas beat goalkeeper Shay Given in the 103rd minute, but Henry controlled the ball twice with his hand before crossing for the defender.

Related readings:  Henry admits using his hand to qualify France

"The France team will go to South Africa courtesy of indisputable cheating which highlights the downward spiral affecting football today," the SNEP-FSU union said.

Teachers also said they objected to statements from Domenech and some players that sent the message that "the most important thing in sport is to win."

"All these comments are unfortunately linked to a 'very modern' philosophy stipulating that in all areas. including sports, the end justifies the means," the union said.

Barcelona striker Henry admitted after the match he handled the ball but said Swedish referee Martin Hansson was the culprit for not spotting the infringement.

"I will be honest, it was a handball," Henry said. "But I'm not the ref. I played it. The ref allowed it."

Domenech said he didn't see the incident.