“That’s completely unacceptable from VAR, one of the worst decision i’ve ever seen in football,”- VAR actually made another FA Cup final error during Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City besides Dean Henderson controversy
“That’s completely unacceptable from VAR, one of the worst decision i’ve ever seen in football,”- VAR actually made another FA Cup final error during Crystal Palace 1-0 Man City besides Dean Henderson controversy
Stuart Attwell Faces Criticism Over Controversial Calls in FA Cup Final
Referee Stuart Attwell found himself at the center of controversy during the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City, with two major decisions coming under scrutiny.
The first flashpoint came when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside his box, denying Erling Haaland a potential goalscoring opportunity.
Surprisingly, Attwell allowed play to continue without showing a red card.
VAR supported the decision, ruling that Haaland was moving away from goal at the time—though it was Henderson’s touch that had pushed him wide. Many felt Palace were fortunate not to be punished.
Another contentious moment arrived in the 24th minute when Attwell awarded Manchester City a penalty after Tyrick Mitchell was judged to have fouled Bernardo Silva.
However, replays clearly showed that Mitchell got a touch on the ball before making contact with the City midfielder.
While the footage couldn’t be broadcast due to licensing restrictions, clips shared on social media supported the argument that the Palace defender won the ball cleanly.
Fortunately for Palace, justice was served when Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s resulting penalty.
Pundits Ally McCoist and Lee Dixon, speaking on ITV, were baffled by VAR’s assessment of the Mitchell incident.
Dixon said, “VAR is saying he didn’t touch the ball, but based on the replay, he clearly did.”
McCoist agreed: “Absolutely. He got a touch on that ball, no question.”
Dixon added, “This isn’t just opinion—you can actually see the ball change direction. Either VAR missed it or their explanation was off.”
In the end, both sides had reasons to feel aggrieved—Palace with the penalty call, and City with the unpunished handball from Henderson—perhaps leaving the game balanced in controversy.
