Furious Wayne Rooney and Ian Wright in agreement after FA Cup VAR decision – ‘Get rid!’

The 2025 FA Cup final will be remembered not only for the thrilling football but also for a controversial VAR decision that has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike. Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card after handling the ball outside his penalty area, an incident that occurred as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland was racing towards goal.

The moment was pivotal. Referee Stuart Attwell initially missed the handball, prompting a VAR review. After careful consideration, the officials concluded that Haaland’s trajectory was such that the handball did not deny an ‘obvious goal-scoring opportunity’ but only a ‘possible’ one. This subtle distinction meant Henderson was spared a sending off, much to the disbelief of many watching.

Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend, was vehement in his criticism. Speaking at halftime, with Palace leading 1-0 thanks to Eberechi Eze’s early strike, Rooney did not mince words. He said, “It’s 100 per cent a red card. How can they get this wrong? Haaland’s about to get past him. There’s no debate. It’s outside the box.” Rooney went on to call for the abolition of VAR, branding the technology as “rubbish” for allowing such an error to stand.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright echoed Rooney’s frustration. On ITV, Wright called the decision “absolutely pathetic” and questioned how officials could deny that the incident was a clear goal-scoring opportunity. “He’s going to tap that ball past Henderson. It’s madness. The rules? It’s all rubbish when it comes to sending a player off for that,” Wright declared.

The controversy overshadowed the rest of an intense FA Cup final that saw Crystal Palace holding their nerve against the star-studded Manchester City side. Henderson, despite escaping punishment for the handball, proved his worth by later saving a penalty from Omar Marmousch. His remarkable reflexes also kept out a close-range shot from Jeremy Doku, ensuring Palace maintained their advantage.

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott weighed in on the debate, calling the non-red card decision “one of the worst he’s ever seen in football.” Meanwhile, pundit Roy Keane admitted confusion, stating, “We’re all confused. It should have been a sending off.” Ally McCoist, commenting on the broadcast, was equally baffled, noting, “That is surely a goal-scoring opportunity. Someone needs to call it as it is.”

Even Alan Shearer, a respected voice in football analysis, agreed that Henderson’s handball was clear. He emphasized that Haaland’s run was away from goal but maintained that the handball deserved serious punishment.

Despite the uproar, the FA Cup final itself was a showcase of skill and resilience. Crystal Palace’s tactical discipline and Henderson’s heroics in goal made the difference, while Manchester City struggled to break down their opponents. Eberechi Eze’s historic goal remained the match-winner, securing a memorable trophy for Palace.

Post-match, questions remained about the VAR system’s consistency and effectiveness. Many called on the FA to rethink how video technology is applied in crucial moments, fearing that such decisions undermine the spirit of fair play.

As debate rages on, the FA and match officials face intense scrutiny. Fans and former players alike are demanding clarity and changes to prevent future controversies of this magnitude. For now, the FA Cup final will be remembered both for Crystal Palace’s triumph and the VAR decision that continues to divide opinion.