William Gallas believes Republic of Ireland want revenge for Thierry Henry handball

Republic of Ireland will look to avenge their controversial 2010 World Cup play-off defeat against France

WILLIAM Gallas says the Republic of Ireland will look to avenge their controversial 2010 World Cup play-off defeat against France, when they meet at Euro 2016.

The Irish were controversially knocked out by Les Bleus in a two-legged play-off tie, with Gallas scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 aggregate win in Paris.

The former France international said that Martin O’Neill will most likely make mention of the incident in 2009 as added motivation for his players.

“This team will want revenge. I’m sure the coach will talk to them about 2009, Gallas told L’Equipe.

“The Irish will come to block, that is clear, with supporters that will set the mood. They have not forgotten. It’ll be hot.”

The 38-year-old also revealed that he did not see Thierry Henry’s handball at the time as he was focused on securing qualification for the World Cup.

“From where I was, I did not see anything. Then when the game finished I saw him on the stadium screens. After the goal, I saw the Irish protest but I did not know why,” Gallas said.

“When I scored, it was relief. Especially with so little time left. Our qualifying campaign was not good and after this game there was a big relief. We wanted so much to qualify.” Kickoff.com

Follow us on Twitter @FingazLive and on Facebook – The Financial Gazette