U2's Bono: 'FIFA Should Reinstate Ireland In The World Cup'

U2 singer Bono believes the Republic Of Ireland football team should be reinstated in the World Cup following their controversial exit last month.

In their crucial play-off game with France on November 18, former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball in extra time stopping it from going out of play.

Instead of the referee blowing for a free kick to Ireland, France went on to score and go through 2-1 on aggregate.

Asked by the BBC whether Ireland should be reinstated, Bono told the BBC: "I think it would be a really noble thing of FIFA to do.

“I think it's okay for FIFA to say 'Look things are changing, that game is an affront to FIFA's concept of fairness' and I think there's smart people in FIFA who will see that this is an opportunity. It's not a huge giant bureaucracy that can't be turned around.

"It can turn around and they should have video from now on and they should allow Ireland be at the cup."

Bono had previously complained to the Associated Press that Ireland's exit is affecting the country badly.

"The whole country received a devastating blow. The country's going through a lot of difficult times at the moment anyway," he explained.