In the 2025 FA Cup final, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoided a red card despite a potential handball outside the penalty area, which sparked contention among commentators including Wayne Rooney. Rooney, describing the act as a clear infringement that should have warranted dismissal, criticized VAR for its decision-making. Henderson, however, maintained that he acted within the rules as the ball returned to his box, dismissing the concerns. The incident occurred amid a tense match where Palace would go on to win their first major trophy with Henderson making crucial saves.
It's a red card," said Manchester United all-time top scorer Rooney, who won the 2015/16 FA Cup, speaking on BBC Sport. "Haaland's about to knock it around him.
[Henderson] sweeps the ball away," argued Rooney, speaking at half-time after the review deemed the scoring opportunity for Haaland was not "obvious".
"How can they get this wrong? Just get rid of VAR. They've made a mistake, so now they're trying to cover up... everybody can see it's a red card.
"Good decision," smiled Palace manager Oliver Glasner when he was asked for his thoughts in the aftermath of arguably his greatest coaching achievement.
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