By LEWIS BROWNING
Published: 12:45 EDT, 17 May 2025 | Updated: 12:51 EDT, 17 May 2025
Alan Shearer was left stunned by Erling Haaland' decision to hand over Manchester City's FA Cup final penalty to Omar Marmoush.
'That is a big decision from Erling Haaland,' Shearer said on BBC Sport commentary. 'Not to want that penalty.'
When asked if he could have been ordered to pass the kick on, Shearer said: 'Well he's on the pitch, he's fit enough to start the game, so he's either said he doesn't want it or Pep doesn't want him to take it.
'That is a big surprise to me, though.'
Haaland has scored just four of his last seven penalties for City, while Marmoush, prior to Saturday, had scored his last seven. This, though, was his first for the club he joined in January.
'Not at all,' Shearer added when it was suggested Haaland should not have given the ball to Marmoush. 'Not when you are in his position. Erling Haaland, who and what you are.
'He has scored 30 goals this season. I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I wouldn't be willing to give a penalty up in a cup final, no chance.'
At half-time, the punditry team, including Wayne Rooney and Gary Lineker, also debated the decision.
'I don’t think he’s given it away,' Rooney said. 'I think it’s been taken off him.'
Lineker added: 'I can’t imagine that Haaland said he didn’t fancy it.
Shearer, meanwhile, added: 'There's no way anyone is saying to me "you're not taking a penalty today if we get a penalty today".'