Last night’s events produced an unprecedented reaction. The following is a selection from the hundreds of comments posted on irishtimes.com yesterday.

The criticism in the French media today has been huge . . . the media launched into a day of attack, that Ireland were the better side on the night and that football in general has turned into a scam. Then this afternoon the French teachers’ union publicly condemned Henry’s handball and worse, the French football authority’s smug acceptance of the result, asking what is this shameless cheating teaching children. Folks, don’t knock “the French”, no exaggeration if you were to carry out a poll today, well over half the French would disqualify France themselves. People here are sickened by all this. This is about the murky, vulgar, sneering, insincere, dishonest, bling, scumbag world of professional football that doesn’t care about people.

Oscar, France

French people are really and sincerely sorry for Ireland. The Irish team deserved the qualification to the World Cup. Irish people must know that we are not proud of this.

Laurent Martel, France

It is with great sadness that parents, coaches, player and supporters will see that mode of cheating being replicated all over pitches throughout the land. Why? because Fifa don’t know the importance of instilling integrity in every facet of the game. If Henry’s actions changed the shape of the game by underhand methods then if he was banned for the next six games maybe it would stop players doing the same.

Smiley, Ireland

Defenders like Paul McShane should not allow world class players like Henry get goal-side of them, especially when defending set-pieces. The team and the fans were not let down simply by the absence of video technology. It was Trap’s fatal decision to put him on the pitch and the player’s dreadful defending that led to the injustice that followed. Great game.

KMS, Ireland

Shame on Fifa. The problem is if they bring in video technology how will they cheat teams like Ireland and ensure that the big nations get through? I am so proud of the Irish team for their efforts. Well done lads.

Aaron Morris

Ireland I am very, very sorry for the Irish people, and I am ashamed as a French supporter! Henry is a bad example for young people and he should be sacked off the French team.

Pascal Vouvray, France

Two men offside and two handballs. This is just unreal! Where is the honour in going to the World Cup by winning a match cheating? Not only should the Irish protest but the French team should have the b****s to ask for a replay and if they win then they can go to the World Cup with some dignity!

Eilis McGarr, Ireland

I’m French and I feel ashamed by what happened last night, ashamed by Henry, ashamed by Domenech for not admitting this treachery. The Irish fought gallantly and deserved another ending. The minimum would be for Fifa to replay the game and suspend Henry. Outrageous! Please don’t judge the French on the basis of their pitiful team of losers . . .

Julien, France

Thierry was obviously so impressed with Croker that he decided to take up Gaelic Football. Thierry for the Dubs?

Yamo, Ireland

Dear Irish friends, you are 100 per cent right to be furious and many people in France feel deeply ashamed. I personally regret that Ireland did not score in the last minutes. We need video, and this match should be replayed but this will not happen, unfortunately.

Thierry, France

After the match, the two professional commentators, Arsène Wenger and Bixente Lizarazu were scandalised and embarrassed by the French performance and in complete admiration of the Irish. In this morning’s L’Equipe, Emmanuel Petit wrote that if the French had dominated play, then perhaps such a goal, albeit illegal, would not have seemed so shameful. But as the Irish had completely dominated play, the cheating was intolerable. I am thoroughly ashamed of my team’s behaviour and performance. All honour to the men in the white and green who played a magnificent and valiant match.

ViewFrom Paris, France

Henry cheated, the referee failed, a great European nation qualified . . . I think all is well for business and money! Really sorry for the brave team of Ireland. The Irish players highly deserved to pursue their dream in South Africa. All I can hope is France will be severely beaten this summer. Ajust reward for a treacherous win.

Payre, France

This furore and the apologies of French supporters is a mere distraction from the substantial failure by either side to prove their dominance, and in the case of the French elite players, the disappointment of erratic performances does not augur well for progression in South Africa.

Gadfly55