French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane has leapt to the defence of fellow countryman Thierry Henry by insisting that the Barcelona striker is not a cheat.

Henry has been ostracised by the footballing media in Britain as well as on the continent following his deliberate handball which led directly to defender William Gallas nodding home an equaliser against the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday night’s World Cup Play-off second leg.

The goal gave Les Bleus the 1-1 draw they needed to progress to next summer’s footballing extravaganza at the expense of Giovanni Trapattoni’s men who were left to rue the 32 year-olds dishonesty.

However, French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane has publicly backed national team captain Thierry Henry by insisting that the former Arsenal ace is not a cheat.

"He is not a cheat, I know him well," the 37 year-old told BFMTV.

"He will get over this. He made a mistake, like I made a mistake, even if I'm not making any comparisons. We all make mistakes.

"The fact he said there was a handball means he has apologised. I'm not saying it was nothing but it was handball, that's it,” he added.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar called for the media to give Henry a break.

"I don't think he should take more blame. It's a fact of the game that's certainly difficult to accept for the Irish but something that happens very often on the football field,” stressed.

"I just want to say that's a lot for Henry to take."