Thierry Henry has claimed he was unfairly hounded for the infamous handball that cost the Republic of Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup while Lionel Messi was labelled a 'genius ' after a similar incident . The France striker used his hand to control a cross before setting up William Gallas to score the 103rd-minute goal that took France to the finals in South Africa at Ireland 's expense . Henry , then a Barcelona player , was heavily criticised for his actions at the time but has pointed out the contrasting reaction when his former Nou Camp team-mate Messi scored with his hand against Espanyol in 2007 . Thierry Henry controls the ball with his hand to set up a goal for William Gallas in France 's World Cup 2010 play-off with the Republic of Ireland in November 2009 . Henry claims he was vilified after the incident , claiming the reaction was as if he 'd 'killed someone ' Henry , who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports , claims he was unfairly criticised over his handball . The Arsenal legend told Canal Plus : 'You are talking about people I spent so many times on the pitch with . ' I just said to them , 'Yes , it was hand , I 'm sorry . ' And you know what ? They told me : 'We do n't blame you . ' ' I saw Liam Brady , the Arsenal legend , and he asked me : 'Did you touch it with your hand ? ' And I answered , 'Yes , it was my hand . ' I spoke to the press that night . I could have ignored them but I did n't . ' I spoke honestly - it was a reflex . A reflex by a competitor , just like when you reach out for the ball on the line when your goalkeeper is beaten . 'When I see Messi scoring against Espanyol , diving to touch the ball with his hand , people say , 'What a genius , now he is closer than ever to Maradona . ' But when it was me , it was like I had killed someone . ' Lionel Messi scored a goal with his hand in Barcelona 's league match with Espanyol back in June 2007 . Diego Maradona 's infamous 'Hand of God ' moment against England at the 1986 World Cup . The 37-year-old , who is now a pundit on Sky Sports , left Barcelona for New York Red Bulls shortly after the handball controversy , which occurred in a qualification play-off , second leg at the Stade de France in Paris . But Henry denies that the storm of criticism following the handball was behind his move . ' I have always wanted to go there , ' he said . 'Anyone who knows me would tell you that . Also , to escape what ? To escape who ? I wanted to go as soon as 2009 , but I did n't because I kept playing with the national team . That is total rubblish . '
Arsenal legend believes he was unfairly criticised over handball . Henry controlled with his hand to set up William Gallas in France 's World Cup play-off with Ireland in November 2009 . The FA has since apologised for the incident and said it would review its disciplinary procedures.