Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney expressed his frustration with the VAR system after Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoided a red card for a handball offense outside the penalty area during the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The incident occurred when Henderson rushed off his goal line and cleared the ball with his hand, sparking debate about whether he should have been sent off. VAR reviewed the incident but decided not to take action against Henderson. Rooney, part of the BBC’s coverage of the match, strongly disagreed with the VAR decision.
“It’s a red card. 100 percent, it’s a red card,” Rooney said. “Haaland is about to knock it round him, and as we see, he sweeps the ball away. It’s a red card. How can they get this wrong?” Rooney’s frustration with the VAR system went further, as he called for the technology to be scrapped altogether.
“Just get rid of VAR,” he said. “They’ve made a mistake, so now 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.” The reaction to Rooney’s comments was overwhelmingly supportive, with many fans taking to social media to echo his sentiments.
One fan stated, “Like Rooney said, get rid of VAR,” while another added, “Wayne Rooney actually saying it how it is and not sitting on the fence in punditry for once.” Some fans were even surprised to find themselves agreeing with Rooney, with one saying, “It’s 2025. I’m agreeing with Wayne Rooney. The sky is falling.”
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the use of VAR in football, with many questioning the consistency and accuracy of the technology. As the football community continues to discuss the decision, one thing is clear: the use of VAR will remain a topic of discussion and debate.
Rooney’s comments were not just a reflection of his own frustration but also a representation of the feelings of many fans who feel that VAR is not being used effectively. The debate surrounding VAR is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. However, incidents like the Henderson handball highlight the challenges of implementing technology in football.
The FA Cup final was a high-stakes match, and the VAR decision had significant implications for the game. Manchester City ultimately went on to win the match, and the VAR decision could have potentially changed the course of the game. As the football community continues to discuss the decision, it is clear that the use of VAR will remain a contentious issue.
