Henry says France-Ireland game should be replayed

A file photo French striker Thierry Henry. (Photo AP)

LONDON, Nov 20 - Thierry Henry says the "fairest solution" is to replay the France-Ireland World Cup playoff after he set up the deciding goal with a hand ball.

Henry issued a statement Friday admitting he handled the ball and felt embarrassed at how France qualified for the World Cup at the expense of Ireland.

But Henry said the hand ball was an "instinctive reaction" and denied cheating.

Henry says the fairest solution would be to replay the game, but acknowledged it is not in his control. Earlier Friday, FIFA rejected Ireland's request for a replay.

Henry controlled the ball with his left hand before passing to William Gallas, who scored in extra time. That gave France a 2-1 aggregate victory over Ireland.

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