"Rage Erupts" Over FA Cup Final Refereeing Decision

Stuart Attwell

 "Rage Erupts" Over FA Cup Final Refereeing Decision

English football stars have slammed the decision not to send off Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson during the FA Cup final, calling it one of the worst decisions in football history.

According to the British news agency PA Media, TV replays showed Henderson handling the ball outside the penalty area while trying to intercept a pass before Manchester City star Erling Haaland could reach it.

Referee Stuart Attwell did not spot the incident, and despite a VAR review, no foul was given and the goalkeeper was not sent off, even though he clearly denied Haaland a potential goal-scoring opportunity.

Former Crystal Palace star Ian Wright said on ITV:

"How was that not seen as denying a clear goal? It’s a crazy and pathetic decision. The striker was about to go past the keeper and score."

He added: "Why even have these rules? Just to confuse us? The goalkeeper should absolutely have been sent off."

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott said:

"This is one of the worst decisions in football history—not just because of the call, but how it was explained. Not seeing that as a clear scoring chance for one of the top strikers is baffling."

England legend Wayne Rooney told the BBC:

"That’s a red card. We need to get rid of VAR. They made a mistake and are trying to cover it up. Everyone agrees it should have been a sending-off."

To make matters worse for Manchester City, Dean Henderson went on to save a penalty taken by Omar Marmoush after Crystal Palace had already gone ahead through an Eberechi Eze goal.

City manager Pep Guardiola commented:

"Ask the referee why Dean Henderson wasn’t sent off. I didn’t confront the keeper after the match."