
Wayne Rooney Slams VAR After Controversial FA Cup Final Call on Dean Henderson
Wayne Rooney was left stunned by VAR’s decision not to send off Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a blatant handball outside the box during the FA Cup final clash against Manchester City. The former Manchester United star didn’t hold back, even suggesting the technology should be scrapped after the high-profile incident.
At the time of the handball, Palace were leading 1-0 thanks to Eberechi Eze’s well-worked goal following a slick move down the right. Despite Manchester City ramping up the pressure and missing several chances, the drama peaked when Erling Haaland broke through on goal. Henderson raced off his line and used his hand to stop the ball—outside the penalty area. VAR reviewed the moment but decided against any punishment.
Rooney, appearing as a pundit on BBC’s coverage alongside Glenn Murray and Micah Richards, was furious. Speaking to host Gary Lineker, he didn’t mince words: “It’s a red card. 100 per cent. Haaland’s about to knock it past him, and Henderson swipes it away. How can they get this wrong?”
Rooney went further, expressing his frustration with VAR as a whole. “Just get rid of VAR. They’ve made a mistake and now they’re covering for their mate out there. Everyone can see it’s a red card. Stop with the excuses.”
His fiery reaction resonated with viewers, drawing widespread support on social media. Fellow pundits Richards, Murray, and Lineker all agreed the decision should’ve resulted in a red card.