Evra: Titi deserves statue

Henry's double handball against the Republic of Ireland sparked accusations of cheating and prompted widespread criticism of the Barcelona striker.

So blatant was his handling of the ball to set up William Gallas's decisive goal in the World Cup play-off in Paris that even the French public and former international colleagues, including Emmanuel Petit and Bixente Lizarazu, turned on him.

But Manchester United left-back Evra, who also featured in the controversial match, has leapt to the defence of the former Arsenal hero, saying he should be lauded instead of pilloried for his contribution over the two-legged tie.

"We should make him a statue," Evra said in L'Equipe.

"That the world's press destroys Henry is no concern. But that we, in France, put ourselves there, this is not possible. It needs to stop.

"If Titi (Henry) had gone to the referee to have him cancel the goal and we had lost, the same people would be talking about his ego.

"Frankly, if he had done that, I would have said to him, 'Titi, you betrayed us'. The handball was an instinctive gesture. Which sportsman can look coldly at himself and pretend he wouldn't have done that? Who would have gone to see the referee to say that to him? Those people are hypocrites. We go to South Africa, that is it."

He added: "In football, there are injustices all the time. Titi does not deserve this. Leave him in peace. Who made the error? The referee."

Despite loud calls from the Football Association of Ireland, Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and several French politicians for the game to be replayed, FIFA have already ruled out that possibility.

The French Football Federation have also rejected Irish pleas for a rematch, although Henry issued a statement saying a replay would be "the fairest solution".

Evra, however, does not agree and the defender would only be willing to replay the game in virtual format.

He said: "When I think that certain politicians want the game replayed, they do not know even if the ball is round or oval and they will be the first ones to go and drink champagne in South Africa (at the World Cup).

"For me, I'll replay the game whenever you want: on the PlayStation."