Ireland are victims of double standards, claims Liam Lawrence

Liam Lawrence has claimed that the Republic of Ireland are the victims of double standards.

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.”