Thierry Henry: A True Hero Of World Football

     Thierry Henry ought to be praised for his courage and honor in declaring that the France-Ireland game should be replayed. In the last two days, many journalists and football fans worldwide have attempted to vilify a man who represents the high standards of the beautiful game of football. For more than a decade, Thierry Henry has played the game with such passion, dedication, and fairness with his years for France, at Arsenal, and now at Barcelona.

      Yes. He handled the ball and passed it to Gallas whose goal knocked Ireland out of the World Cup, and later admitted of his wrongdoing. People who are quick to judge him should realize, that in the quick second the ball came his way, instinct rather than reasoning was a factor in his handling of the ball and had the referee spotted he would have ruled out the goal and simply giving him a yellow card.

      It is also quite perplexing to see people comparing him to Maradona. Maradona after his 'hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup showed no remorse, but rather praised it as if it was the right thing to do. His actions only confirms him as a cheat. Years later he was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs in the 1994 World Cup after Argentina beat Greece 4-0. Thierry Henry on the other hand admitted his indiscretion and showed remorse; characteristic behaviors that does not define a cheat.

     Thierry Henry has brought joy and excitement to football fans throughout his career with his breathtaking pace and skill as well as technical ability. He is perhaps the best striker to ever play in the Premier league as he broke all scoring records and became the first striker to lead the scoring sheet in consecutive seasons. In addition, he has won all major trophies in World Football and has done so with grace, fairness, and humility. Thierry Henry, an Arsenal and French legend, has always and will always be a hero of World Football, and is a beacon of hope to many young children around the globe. For that he should always be remembered for and not the unfortunate events that took place that could have been prevented had FIFA introduced video replay a long time ago.