Several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Gary Neville on my radio programme and was struck by his communication skills, relaxed maturity and generous spirit. He very kindly included a personal message to my teenage son living in the UK.

So I was absolutely shocked to read his defence of that cheat Thierry Henry in your paper. Football is played with the feet and there is no way an accomplished professional like Mr Henry could have guided the ball with his hand as an "instinctive" reaction. No doubt he now regrets it, but I fear his so-called apology was inspired by the realisation that he may well have reduced his earning power enormously.

I have stopped using Gillette razor blades, and I hope many others do the same as long as this company uses his image to advertise their products.

Mr Neville is an icon, and he sets an example to many youngsters, including those in his football school in Malta. So why is he excusing a blatant cheat ?

He may feel sorry for a fellow professional but, if so, surely his sympathy is misplaced as it brings his sport into disrepute; and in the same week that we read of 200 major matches being fixed.

There is no place for cheating in any sport, as we rugby fans have felt just as sick over the fake blood incident by Dean Richards at Harlequins a few weeks ago.

I wish Mr Neville well and hope that he can show maturity and professionalism and recant his defence of the shameful Mr Henry.