Bookmakers William Hill have announced they are refunding stake money to all punters who backed the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the final stages of the World Cup following the controversy over Thierry Henry's goal for France last night. Hills will also be paying out on bets for the French to go through.

"The Irish played like heroes last night and they didn't deserve to be knocked out in such a disgraceful manner. Whether they would have gone on to beat France in extra time or on penalties is irrelevant - and we think it's only right to refund all losing bets placed on Ireland to qualify," said Hill's spokesman Tony Kenny. "It will cost us a high five figure sum."

Meanwhile, bets are being taken over the staging of a replay between Ireland and France.

William Hill offer 100/1 that FIFA will order the Republic v France World Cup game to be replayed.

"We think there is virtually no chance of the match being replayed," said Kenny. "UEFA President and former French International Michel Platini would probably get the guillotine if he ordered a re-run."