5 Moments in football history that needed a VAR intervention

#5 Henry’s handball – France vs. Republic of Ireland, 2010 World Cup qualifying

Thierry Henry's blatant handball would've meant VAR would've chalked off William Gallas's goal for France against Ireland in 2009

The current rules of football now state that any goal scored following a handball – be it from the goalscorer or one of their teammates – must be disallowed, and the 2019-20 edition of the Premier League has seen a number of such infractions, with an example being Gabriel Jesus’ chalked off goal for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur in August.

Jesus’ goal was preceded by an accidental handball, but in the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup, a key goal was scored following a blatant handball – allowing France to head to South Africa for the tournament at the expense of the Republic of Ireland, causing plenty of controversy and plenty of damage to the reputation of Thierry Henry.

The two sides were facing off in a two-legged playoff for a spot at the tournament, and after France defeated Ireland 0-1 at Croke Park, a Robbie Keane goal at the Stade de France was enough to send the tie into extra time.

With a penalty shoot-out seemingly looming, a Florent Malouda free-kick found its way to Henry inside the goal area – and the Barcelona striker handled the ball twice, stopping it going out of play and bringing it under control before crossing for William Gallas to head home.

Quite how the referee – who allowed the goal – missed the infraction was anyone’s guess, and naturally the Irish players were furious. But despite the protestations, the goal stood and France won the tie via the away goals rule.

Had VAR been in effect though, there’s simply no way the goal would’ve stood; if anything, Henry may have faced a sanction for the blatant handball. And had the game gone to penalties, then who knows what might’ve happened?