Erling Haaland started for Manchester City as they faced Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday, though the Norwegian striker came under fire from Alan Shearer
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace 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)
Erling Haaland has been slammed for giving away the chance to take a penalty in the FA Cup final
(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer slammed Erling Haaland for giving away the ball to Omar Marmoush after Manchester City were awarded a penalty in their FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. The Eagles had been leading through Eberechi Eze's brilliant counter-attacking goal.
Twelve minutes before half-time though, City were handed a prime chance to equalise. Referee Stuart Attwell point to the spot after Tyrick Mitchell lunged in on Bernando Silva and brought down the City star.
Haaland initially picked the ball up, but once VAR Jarred Gillett had confirmed the decision, he passed the ball to Marmoush. The January signing aimed his penalty down to Palace keeper Dean Henderson's right hand side.
But the Englishman had guessed right and palmed the ball away with a strong right hand. He then quickly got to his feet to also save Haaland's own follow-up and maintain Palace's precious lead.
Haaland's decision to hand Marmoush the ball surprised many, with the Norwegian having scored 30 goals in all competitions this season. Some pundits, including Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney, believed that boss Pep Guardiola ordered Haaland to give the ball away.
READ MORE: Erling Haaland makes feelings clear on 'ridiculous' problem about to hit Man CityREAD MORE: Why VAR didn't show Dean Henderson red card as Man City fans fume at FA Cup final decision
The striker has missed three spot-kicks this season, scoring four. Despite that patchy record, Newcastle legend Shearer blasted Haaland for so easily giving up the chance to become a hero for his side.
"That is a big decision from Erling Haaland as well, not to want that penalty. If he's fit enough he's on the pitch, he's starting the game. So it must be mentally that he's either said he doesn't want it," Shearer said in commentary for BBC Sport.
"Or Pep doesn't want him to take it. That is a big surprise to me though. Not at all [would you pass it up]. Not when you're in his position. Erling Haaland, who and what you are. He's scored 30 goals this season.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Erling Haaland of Manchester City interacts with match referee Stuart Attwell as Omar Marmoush of Manchester City prepares to take his sides penalty 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 Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Haaland handed the ball to Omar Marmoush instead, with the January signing missing his spot-kick
"I'm only speaking from a personal point of view but I wouldn't be prepared to give up a penalty in a cup final - no chance. Come to that I wouldn't give one up in any game, let alone a cup final."
While he was critical of Haaland, Shearer also reserved praise for Palace keeper Henderson. The England international was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch after an earlier decision revolving around a handball he committed.
But overlooking his fortune, Shearer was full of praise for the 28-year-old. He added: "What a save that is. He doesn't fall for the bluff beforehand. He's in control of that situation the goalkeeper.
"He guesses right and gets a big strong hand to keep that out. It really is an impressive save. Then he gets up really quickly again. A clever save it really was, quick along his line. Strong with his right arm. That is a huge save it really is. He's had an interesting 35, 37 minutes."
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