Henry defends Desailly

Thierry Henry rushed to the defence of Marcel Desailly today after the France captain faced a hostile reception from fans on home soil in last night's friendly against Brazil.

The Chelsea defender, who has faced criticism at home for elbowing Monaco striker Fernando Morientes during last month's Champions League semi-final, was jeered when his face appeared on a huge TV screen before the prestigious clash at the Stade de France.

He also faced boos from the 79,344 crowd in the early part of the goalless draw with the reigning world champions, in a match to celebrate the centenary of world governing body FIFA.

Henry told Standard Sport: "I am very surprised by it - very surprised. I know football can be quite bizarre. It's a real shame."

France coach Jacques Santini tried to play down the incident, saying he thought the whistling had been part of a Mexican wave in the crowd. Desailly suggested it came from Brazilian fans in the crowd. Asked whether he was disappointed by the reception, Desailly said: "Not at all. It wasn't anything special for me. That's football."

In a disappointing match, Henry took a knock to a knee but said it would not affect his preparations for Euro 2004.