Rooney Slams VAR After Henderson Handball Saves Haaland In FA Cup Final

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Rooney Slams VAR After Controversial Henderson Handball Saves Haaland in FA Cup Final

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has unleashed a scathing attack on VAR following a highly contentious handball incident involving Jordan Henderson that prevented Erling Haaland from scoring in the FA Cup final. The incident, which occurred late in the game, sparked outrage amongst fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the decision not to award Manchester City a penalty.

The highly anticipated FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory for City, but the game will be remembered as much for the controversial officiating as for the result. The pivotal moment arrived when a Henderson handball, seemingly inside the penalty area, prevented what looked certain to be a Haaland goal. VAR reviewed the incident, but ultimately decided against awarding a penalty, a decision that left Rooney fuming.

Rooney's Outrage: A VAR System in Crisis?

Rooney, known for his outspoken nature and insightful football commentary, didn't mince words in his post-match analysis. He described the decision as "unbelievable" and "unacceptable," suggesting the current VAR system is failing to meet expectations and is consistently making crucial errors that impact the fairness of the game. He stated, "I've watched it back several times, and there's no doubt in my mind it was a handball. It's a clear penalty. VAR is supposed to help correct mistakes, but it seems to be creating more problems than it solves."

The Incident: A Detailed Look

The incident itself saw a deflected shot from Haaland strike Henderson's arm in a close-range situation. While some argued that the handball was unintentional and the arm was in a natural position, many felt that the proximity to Haaland and the clear obstruction of the shot warranted a penalty. The slow-motion replays fueled the debate, leading to a cacophony of opinions across social media and among football pundits. The lack of a penalty significantly altered the course of the final stages of the game, influencing United's attempts at an equalizer.

The Wider Debate: VAR's Effectiveness Under Scrutiny

Rooney's criticism highlights a growing concern about the effectiveness of VAR in football. While intended to improve accuracy and fairness, its implementation has been plagued by inconsistencies and controversial decisions. This particular incident serves as yet another example of the ongoing debate about VAR's role in the beautiful game. The question remains: is VAR truly enhancing the game, or is it causing more harm than good?

• Inconsistency in decision-making: VAR decisions appear subjective and lacking in consistency, leading to a lack of trust in the system.
• Time delays and interruptions: The lengthy reviews often disrupt the flow and rhythm of the game, frustrating players and fans alike.
• Subjective interpretations: The interpretation of the rules remains subjective, leading to different conclusions from different officials.

The FA Cup final highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding VAR, leaving many questioning its future in football. Rooney’s passionate reaction encapsulates the frustration felt by many fans and players, demanding a reevaluation of the VAR system and its implementation to ensure fair play. The debate surrounding VAR is far from over, and this incident is likely to further fuel the discussion in the weeks and months to come.