FA Cup Final: Should Jordan Henderson Have Received A Red Card? A VAR Review

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Post on May 18, 2025

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FA Cup Final: Should Jordan Henderson Have Received a Red Card? A VAR Review

The 2023 FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United was a thrilling encounter, culminating in a 2-1 victory for the Citizens. However, the match remains a topic of heated debate, particularly surrounding a controversial challenge by Manchester United captain Jordan Henderson that escaped a red card. Let's delve into the incident and examine whether VAR made the right call.

The Incident: A Potential Red Card Offense?

The incident in question occurred in the 65th minute. Henderson, attempting to win the ball, lunged into a challenge on Jack Grealish, catching the Manchester City winger high and late. The force of the challenge sent Grealish tumbling to the ground. The referee, initially, only awarded a free-kick. This decision, however, was immediately questioned by many, including pundits and fans alike. The challenge appeared reckless, with Henderson's studs showing a clear risk of injury to Grealish. Many argued that the challenge met the criteria for a straight red card under the laws of the game, specifically concerning endangering an opponent.

VAR Intervention and the Subsequent Decision

The incident was reviewed by VAR (Video Assistant Referee). After careful examination, the on-field decision stood. No red card was issued. This sparked outrage among Manchester City fans and some neutrals, who felt the VAR review was insufficient and that a clear and obvious error had been missed. The lack of punishment for what many perceived as a dangerous foul left a sour taste in the mouths of many, particularly considering the high-stakes nature of the FA Cup Final.

Arguments For and Against a Red Card

The debate surrounding Henderson's challenge is multifaceted. Arguments for a red card center around the danger posed to Grealish and the reckless nature of the tackle. The challenge was late, high, and with significant force; all factors contributing to the argument for a dismissal. Furthermore, the precedent set by similar incidents in previous matches suggests a red card should have been issued for such a challenge.

Conversely, arguments against a red card might point to the lack of intent to injure on Henderson's part. While the challenge was undoubtedly late and reckless, some might argue that Henderson was genuinely trying to win the ball, albeit in an ill-advised manner. This argument, however, is weak given the clear risk of injury inflicted.

The Importance of Consistent VAR Application

The controversy highlights a larger issue in football: the inconsistency in VAR application. Fans and pundits alike demand greater clarity and consistency in the use of VAR to avoid such controversial moments. The perception of bias or inconsistent decision-making undermines the credibility of VAR and fuels debates such as this one.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for VAR?

Ultimately, whether Henderson should have received a red card remains a matter of opinion. However, the lack of punishment for a challenge that appeared reckless and potentially injurious undermines the integrity of the game. The incident serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by VAR in maintaining consistency and ensuring fair play. This situation calls for a deeper discussion on refereeing standards and VAR implementation, aiming towards more transparent and consistent decision-making in high-pressure situations like the FA Cup Final. The lack of a red card will likely fuel further debate, highlighting the need for improved clarity and consistency in the application of VAR across all levels of the game.