Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has leapt to the defence of fellow country man Thierry Henry by insisting that the striker did nothing wrong.

Henry was at the centre of a storm when, with France losing 1-0 in extra-time, he seized on Florent Malouda’s free-kick at the back post.

The Barcelona star then handled the ball not once, but twice, before squaring for Arsenal defender William Gallas to head home the equaliser and secure France’s passage into next summer's World Cup at the expense of Ireland.

‘Titi’s’ actions have garnered international condemnation from all section of the sports media, however, Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has leapt to the defence of his former Arsenal colleague in the wake of the vitriol.

"The process that Henry is being put through is scandalous," he told L'Equipe.

"The referee did not see the handball - that's it. You can understand that the Irish are unhappy, but it's not the first time we've seen a referee make a mistake,” he added.

The 33-year-old's comments are sure to further fan the flames surrounding the controversy and will be perceived in some quarters as Vieira giving a ‘carte-blanche’ to cheats.

Henry has since issued a statement explaining his actions and also expressing his desire that the match be replayed, however, FIFA have already ruled against that taking place.