Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams insists Thierry Henry is no cheat.

Henry’s handball led to the equalising goal that took France through in their World Cup qualifier against Ireland in Paris.

Adams was Henry’s captain at Arsenal for eight years and he insisted: “Thierry is no cheat. I can assure everyone of that.

“What he did was instinctive – and I am certain there are many more other front men who would do the same thing.

“It is just not in his character to cheat. It is not him.

“I was with him basically every day for eight years and he is one of the most professional people I have come across in the game.

“I have played with him on many, many occasions and I have never known him to do anything even resembling that in any of the games I have been involved in.”