Wright and Rooney lead fury at VAR controversy in FA Cup final: ‘Pathetic’
- Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 17, 2025, amid a major VAR controversy involving goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
- The controversy arose when Henderson handled the ball outside his penalty area to deny Erling Haaland a clear goal-scoring chance, but VAR ruled it was only a possible, not obvious, opportunity.
- Henderson escaped a red card and later saved a penalty from Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, which kept Palace's lead intact and intensified debate.
- Pundits including Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright strongly criticized the decision, calling the non-dismissal 'pathetic' and demanding VAR's removal, with Rooney saying, "It's 100 per cent red card."
- Crystal Palace claimed a historic victory by winning their first significant trophy since the club's founding 164 years ago, while Manchester City finished the season without any silverware for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign, prompting speculation about Guardiola's future.
14 Articles
14 Articles
"Just get rid of VAR!" - Wayne Rooney reacts to controversial Dean Henderson red card offence during Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win over Manchester City
Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney reacted to a controversial moment from goalkeeper Dean Henderson in Crystal Palace's 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 17.
Furious Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright in agreement after FA Cup VAR decision - 'Get rid!' - The Mirror
There was controversy in the FA Cup final when Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite handling the ball outside of the penalty area when Erling Haaland was baring down on goal
Patrick van Aanholt got the ball on his arm just before half time, the VAR and the referee decided not to award a penalty.
VAR Should Be Scrapped After Obvious Henderson Blunder – Rooney
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney has come out to say that football should get rid of VAR. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting. According to him, Dean Henderson should have been sent off for his handball in the FA Cup final because he clearly handled the [...]
Dean Henderson had a great performance in goal as Crystal Palace secured the FA Cup on Sunday, but Wayne Rooney says Henderson should have been shown a red card for handling the ball outside the box during the match.
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