World Cup 2010

Florent Malouda Supports Thierry Henry After Handball Controversy

Malouda is behind Titi...

Nov 22, 2009 4:57:16 PM

EPL: Florent Malouda, Chelsea - Wolverhampton (Getty Images)

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EPL: Florent Malouda, Chelsea - Wolverhampton (Getty Images)

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France international Florent Malouda has backed Thierry Henry to handle the backlash of the handball that led his country into the World Cup at the expense of the Republic of Ireland.

Henry was seen to handle the ball twice before crossing for William Gallas to head past Shay Given in the qualifying playoff second leg in Paris.

Malouda has admitted his compatriots are far from boastful regarding the manner in which they have secured a place at South Africa 2010, but are not prepared to turn their backs on Henry.

"We are not really proud of the way we qualified because it was a handball," he told Sky Sports News.

"At the time we were happy to be qualified but after you can see that everybody is trying to comment.

"Henry knows how to deal with that. He is an honest person, he is not a cheat and I think all the players still have a lot of respect for him."

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