Kevin Doyle Sickened By Ireland Loss To France But Does Not Blame Thierry Henry

Eliminated from the World Cup in the most controversial of circumstances, Republic of Ireland forward Kevin Doyle has explained that he does not blame Thierry Henry for the handball that ultimately pushed France through to South Africa.

Ireland had won normal time 1-0 to draw the two-legged tie level on aggregate, but les Bleus grabbed the only goal of extra-time through William Gallas to move through to the finals. However, in the build-up to that strike, there was a clear handball by Henry, which has left Doyle frustrated.

“It is an obvious handball. I don't know about the referee not seeing, but the linesman had as good a view as anyone on the pitch," he stated to Sky Sports News.

“It is just embarrassing seeing that up close.”

Despite the nature of the goal, Doyle continued by hinting that he would have acted no differently from Henry in the circumstances.

“It is just instinctive on his behalf, but it is that obvious that I'm sure he expected the free-kick straight away,” the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward stated.

"I don't blame him as much as how it's not seen to be honest."

Ireland captain Robbie Keane reacted furiously in the aftermath of the match, claiming to Eurosport that FIFA didn’t want Ireland to qualify for the World Cup.