Hand-ball controversy could wreck NYRB move for Henry

France striker Thierry Henry’s hand-ball incident in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland may have further repercussions for him.

The former Arsenal and current Barcelona star is at the centre of a ‘shameful’ incident in which he purposely used his hand to gain control of the ball before setting up the eventual winner for William Gallas in extra-time of their do or die qualifier against Ireland in Paris.

The incident has been met with much criticism around the world and it could affect Henry’s proposed move to MLS with New York Red Bulls.

Henry may attempt to follow David Beckham into the US market where he would attract huge sponsorship dollars but this lack of sportsmanship could quite easily have an adverse affect on the Frenchman according to marketing guru Nigel Currie, director of Brand Rapport.

“It is hugely damaging. At a time when so much cheating is being exposed in sport, people expect higher standards of him,” Currie said.

“He’s positioned himself as a global ambassador for sport so, in the long term, he has blotted his copybook.”

But Henry’s standing in the game as a brilliant player, an admired talent, media-friendly and charitable plus the fact he owned up to the incident, mean he may ride the wave of criticism and escape out the other side unscathed.