Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra has backed the under-fire Thierry Henry by sensationally claiming that football ought to ‘erect a statue’ of the Barcelona hitman!

With his side trailing 1-0 on the night to the Republic of Ireland, Henry deliberately handled a Florent Malouda free-kick before squaring for defender William Gallas to head home the equaliser.

The draw sent Les Bleus through to next summer’s World Cup final in South Africa at the expense of Giovanni Trapattoni’s men.

Henry’s actions have lead to international condemnation from all quarters of the sports media even amongst the French press.

However, French compatriot Patrice Evra has defended his much criticized fellow countryman by insisting that France ought to be erecting a statue for ‘Titi’!

"We are arguing about Henry when we should be erecting a statue to him," he is quoted as saying by the News of the World.

“Titi' is ready now for South Africa. The lad feels bad because his own people are attacking him, but he is solid.

"But I just don't accept that people should attack our captain that way.

"For the world's press to destroy him, no problem. But for we, in France, to join in, it's not on. It has to stop," he added.

FAI Chief John Delaney has already demanded that Ireland's match with France be replayed, although FIFA have already rejected the idea of a rematch.

The draw for the World Cup takes place on December 4th with France amongst the top seeds.