Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne and goalkeeper Shay Given have accused Fifa and Sepp Blatter of "taking the mickey" and "talking rubbish" after reports Giovanni Trapattoni's side were being considered for a special award.

Fifa president Blatter announced the disciplinary committee had opened proceedings against France striker Thierry Henry for his infamous handball which saw William Gallas score the winning goal against the Republic in the play-off in Paris.

Aston Villa centre-half Dunne, though, was unimpressed and said: "It doesn't affect me one little bit what Fifa will do with Thierry Henry.

"Whatever Fifa do will probably be wrong anyway.

"From the moment the rules were changed for the play-offs, when the seedings were brought in, it was decided they wanted France through.

"It's always the same way Fifa think about Irish football. Unless you are a massive country or have massive sponsorship you're not going to be welcome.

"What's this award that Fifa are going to give to Ireland? It is Fifa taking the mickey - give the Irish a plaque instead of going to the World Cup. It's a sop.

"They can keep it. I would be very surprised if Robbie Keane, our captain, was going over to collect it."

Team-mate Shay Given also admitted he still harboured anger towards Blatter and told the Daily Mail: "I still feel angry about the whole thing.

"All the stuff from Fifa and Sepp Blatter - just rubbish.

"A couple of days ago Blatter said he's spoken to (Thierry) Henry and how it wasn't his fault, it was the referee's.

"A couple of days on and Fifa say they're going to look into Henry.

"To be fair to Thierry, he probably had the realisation at the end of the game that what he's done is illegal.

"He's cheated Ireland. I'm not saying he's a cheat but what he's done is illegal."