Bets off - bookies in goal refund

Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball

Two bookmaking chains are refunding bets backing Ireland to qualify for the World Cup.

Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball before playing it for William Gallas to score the equaliser which saw France win 2-1 on aggregate.

William Hill and Paddy Power are refunding stake money to customers who backed the Republic to qualify.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said it would cost them a "five figure sum" but it was the right thing to do.

"Leaving aside any moral scruples and the fact that no-one knows what would have happened if the goal had been disallowed, William Hill feel that they are being as fair as possible to everyone by returning stake money to those who bet on the Irish going through," he said.

'Small consolation'

In 1986 the chain 'disallowed' Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal for Argentina against England and refunded stakes.

Paddy Power is to refund more than £200,000 in stakes.

"I know its small consolation but we're refunding 110,000 euros to all those who backed Ireland to qualify for next years Finals as well as refunding 140,000 euros on the game after we pledged to refund all losing first/last goalscorer, correct score & scorecast bets placed on the match if Ireland won the game in 90-minutes," the chain's blog said.