DAVID Beckham has defended Thierry Henry following the France striker's controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland.
Henry has been condemned as a cheat following his part in the decisive goal in Wednesday night's game in Paris.
But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it.
"I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football.
"I really don't think he meant it.
"I've had a few headlines in the past which have not been nice but I don't think he is a cheat."
Asked whether he would have done the same thing in a similar situation, Beckham told Sky Sports News: "Who knows in that situation?
"You're playing in a qualifier to go through to the World Cup, you don't know what you're doing.
"I've been involved in big games and reacted to certain things and looked back and thought I was wrong to do that."
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But Beckham said: "I honestly didn't think Thierry meant it.
"I know him as a player and a person. He's a good person and a great player. It's a shame to see Ireland go out because they have such great fans but these things happen in football.
"I really don't think he meant it.
"I've had a few headlines in the past which have not been nice but I don't think he is a cheat."
Asked whether he would have done the same thing in a similar situation, Beckham told Sky Sports News: "Who knows in that situation?
"You're playing in a qualifier to go through to the World Cup, you don't know what you're doing.
"I've been involved in big games and reacted to certain things and looked back and thought I was wrong to do that."
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