Federer supports friend Henry over handball storm

Wimbledon champion Roger Federer insists his friend Thierry Henry shouldn't be blamed for the controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the Republic of Ireland's expense.

With Henry's reputation in danger of being severely tarnished by the incident, the Barcelona star can at least rely on the support of tennis's world number one. Federer has struck up a firm friendship with Henry since the pair shot high-profile commercials with Tiger Woods for shaving company Gillette and the Swiss star said: "It (the handball) happened in a split second. You can't blame him for playing on. If the referee doesn't see it I just think it is the systems and the referee who are at fault.

"It has happened so many times. So many goals are given that weren't goals. This is just one more.
And Federer concedes that no amount of apologies will make some people forgive Henry now. "He did apologise. People say it was only after the match, but even five seconds after the event is too late," he added.