Manchester City were left fuming after Dean Henderson handled the ball outside of his area in the FA Cup final - but the Crystal Palace goalkeeper wasn't shown a red card
17:52, 17 May 2025Updated 17:55, 17 May 2025
VAR made a controversial decision after Dean Henderson handled the ball outside of the box to deny Erling Haaland
VAR made a controversial decision after Dean Henderson handled the ball outside of the box to deny Erling Haaland(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The controversial reason why [Dean Henderson dodged a red card for his handball in the FA Cup final](http://VAR made a controversial decision after Dean Henderson handled the ball outside of the box to deny Erling Haaland) has been explained, leaving Manchester City fans absolutely livid.
Crystal Palace's keeper Henderson was caught on camera batting the ball away outside his box, thwarting Erling Haaland's charge. Not long after, the England stopper heroically denied City's Omar Marmoush from the spot after Haaland bafflingly gave his team-mate the penalty to take.
Earlier on, Eberechi Eze had put Palace ahead with a slick finish. In the 23rd minute, Josko Gvardiol lobbed a hefty pass from his own turf, aiming for Haaland. Henderson bolted out and batted the ball with his right hand.
The replays confirmed that Henderson's handiwork was indeed beyond his legal reach. Ref Stuart Attwell let the game roll on until VAR stepped in for a peek.
However, the VAR boffins judged that Haaland wasn't directly on course to score, so it wasn't a blatant goal-denying foul. Plus, a goalie handling the ball outside their area isn't an instant red card offence, reports the Mirror.
Dean Henderson handled outside of the box but VAR didn't take action
Dean Henderson handled outside of the box but VAR didn't take action
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"There's no doubt that Dean Henderson touches that with his hand," declared Alan Shearer during his BBC commentary stint. "It is clear to me that Erling Haaland is going away from goal."
Wayne Rooney was seething as he dissected the call at half-time, calling it a "100% red card". He said: "Just get rid of VAR. They have made a mistake and now they are trying to cover up. It is a red card and everyone can see it's a red card. To come out with all this rubbish.."
No free-kick was given because VAR only steps in for red cards or penalties, leaving City supporters fuming when Henderson stopped Marmoush's penalty after Bernardo Silva won a spot-kick from Palace's Tyrick Mitchell.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace saves a penalty kick from Omar Marmoush of Manchester City (not pictured) during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Dean Henderson later saved a penalty kick from Omar Marmoush(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
The online crowd didn't hold back their opinions. "Keeper handles outside of the area. It's a red card, no matter what direction the ball is going. The ref and VAR have lost the plot," vented one social media user.
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"As clear a red card as you will see. VAR have had an absolute howler," another chimed in. "Henderson has slapped the ball away from goal... it's a clear red card."
Another fan highlighted Henderson's standout moments, including a save from Jeremy Doku. "Amazing, handles it outside his area, off his line for the penalty and now makes a crucial save.
"All despite the fact he should be in the changing room with a red card," they remarked.