Stoke winger Lawrence: Ireland beaten by double-standards

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence has hit out at the double-standards that cost the Republic of Ireland a place in the World Cup.

The Irish star is still furious that FIFA ruled out a replay of the World Cup qualifying play-off with France following Thierry Henry’s handball.

Stoke winger Lawrence said: “If we’d done it to France, there would be an outrage. It would be a different story and there would be a replay.

“It’s disgusting. It’s a disgrace. It’s cost us and the Irish nation from going to the World Cup. It’s not just a friendly we’re talking about, it’s a monster of a game.

“Is it my worst moment in football? I don’t know, but it’s the most scandalous. I don’t know how they can get away with it.”

Lawrence, 27, said of Henry: “He’s done what any player would do because you’re taught to play to the whistle. But he’s cheated.

“He came up to us all after the game and apologised. I just shook my head. When France come on the telly next summer I think I’ll be switching off. I won’t be able to bear it.”