Eric Cantona: Thierry Henry would not have lasted three seconds sitting next to me

By Omar Dabbagh

Iconic France and Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has openly admitted he would have given Thierry Henry short shrift if he were one of the Republic of Ireland players robbed of a World Cup spot.

Cantona’s comments seemed to be sparked by not only Henry’s handball that led to William Gallas’ equaliser, but when he decided to sit next to Irish defender Richard Dunne on the pitch after the game.

“What shocks me the most is that this player, at the end of the game, in front of the TV cameras, went to sit down next to an Ireland player to comfort him - when he had just screwed him,” he bluntly told the Sun.

Cantona, who notoriously kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fan during a game in 1995, added that Dunne was respectful not to react to Henry’s actions, but admits that he would not have had such nerve.

He added: “If I had been an Irishman, he wouldn't have lasted three seconds.”

Henry has been the subject of some major criticism since helping to secure France's trip to South Africa in 2010.