The latest Manchester City news after Wayne Rooney opined on the controversial decision not to send off Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson during the FA Cup final
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Wayne Rooney speaking into a microphone while working for BBC Sport at Wembley Stadium
Dean Henderson not being sent off in the FA Cup final has led Wayne Rooney to call for the end of VAR
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has called for VAR to be scrapped in light of the decision not to send off Dean Henderson during the FA Cup final.
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper remained on the pitch despite appearing to handle the ball outside the penalty area. Erling Haaland was also inches away from knocking the ball forward before Henderson intervened.
Co-commentators covering the match could not agree about a potential red card when reacting immediately after the incident during the live television coverage on BBC and ITV. But when responding at half-time, Rooney believed it was indeed an incorrect call from the officials.
"It's a red card," he remarked. "100% a red card. Haaland's about to knock it around him. [Henderson] sweeps the ball away."
Micah Richards then interjected to say, "It's a red card!". The former Manchester United captain asked: "How can they get this wrong?"
Richards concurred: "No debate; it's a red card. He's outside [the 18-yard box], I mean, they can talk about whatever ruling..."
The host, Gary Lineker, then interjected to relay guidance from VAR about it not being an obvious goal-scoring opportunity due to the direction Haaland was moving, meaning it was only a possible opportunity. Rooney gave that explanation short shrift.
"Just get rid of VAR," he demanded. "They've made a mistake, so they're trying to cover up for their mate out there.
"It's a red card; everyone can see it's a red card. To come out with all this rubbish…"
However, Rooney did later concede to being "happy he didn't get sent off". Lineker shared a similar sentiment, having said he was "glad he got the benefit of the doubt because it would have ruined the game and it was marginal."
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