England legend slams officials for failing to send off Dean Henderson in controversial FA Cup final moment
Wayne Rooney didn’t hold back in his assessment of the controversial first-half moment that saw Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson escape a red card against Manchester City, and the former England captain has had enough of VAR.
Speaking during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final at Wembley, Rooney was incensed after Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his area to prevent Erling Haaland from going through on goal. Despite a lengthy VAR check, no free-kick was awarded and Henderson stayed on the pitch.
“It’s a red card. 100 per cent,” Rooney said bluntly. “Haaland is about to knock it round him [Henderson] and as we see, he sweeps the ball away. It’s a red card!”
The moment proved significant as Henderson would go on to make a series of crucial saves, including denying Omar Marmoush from the penalty spot, helping Palace secure a famous win over Pep Guardiola’s side.
Rooney was clearly baffled by the officials’ decision-making and didn’t hold back.
“How can they get this wrong? Just get rid of VAR. They’ve made a mistake and now they are trying to cover up for it. It’s a red card! Everyone can see it’s a red card. To come out with all this rubbish!”
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the interpretation used to justify keeping Henderson on the pitch. According to broadcasters, officials explained that Haaland was moving away from goal, making it a “possible but not obvious goalscoring opportunity”.
Palace fans, of course, won’t care. Their keeper stayed on, made the crucial stops, and now they’ve lifted the trophy.
