So, the plucky Republic of Ireland will not play in next year's World Cup after that nasty man Thierry Henry blatantly handled the ball before setting up the goal which set Irish eyes a-crying.

So, the plucky Republic of Ireland will not play in next year's World Cup after that nasty man Thierry Henry blatantly handled the ball before setting up the goal which set Irish eyes a-crying. Zut alors!

And the Gunner reject even had the cheek to admit that it was a handball. Why didn't he stop playing there and then? Why can't the game be replayed? Why didn't the ref see it? Cheating like this can't be allowed - let's start a petition!

Please, stop it. Yes, Henry handled the ball. He almost caught it, in fact. It was blatant. And yes, it would be nice if players owned up there and then to any questionable incidents of 'gaining an advantage'.

But give yourself a slap and say hello to the real world.

- Read more now, and have your say, in Mark Heath's Playing the Links blog.