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Swedish referee Martin Hansson is hoping that the Irish nation can forgive him for the mistake which ended the country's World Cup dreams.
Hansson failed to spot Thierry Henry's infamous handball in last November's World Cup play-off as France edged out a heartbroken Republic of Ireland.
The Swede is a referee at the current World Cup but has yet to take charge of a match.
"I love the (Irish) people. I love the island. I love the beer," said Hansson.
Speaking at Monday's referees day at the finals in South Africa, Hansson said that he cried in the Stade de France dressing-room after learning of his mistake in the crunch game.
"Of course, when I realized what a mistake it was," he said.
A consoling visit from an Irish team official helped, and he hopes to be welcomed next time he visits the country.