“Just get rid of VAR”: Wayne Rooney frustrated over FA Cup Final controversy

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reacted to a decision made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the FA Cup final match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace recorded an historical 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium but the result was marred by another controversial VAR decision.

VAR decided not to send off Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a handball offence outside the penalty area.

Erling Haaland thought he was through on goal after evading the backline, only for Henderson to rush off his goal line and clear the ball with his hand. Replays showed the shot-stopper’s hand was outside the penalty area, but Henderson went unpunished after a VAR check.

The big screen displays the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review for a possible red card against Dean Henderson. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola’s men were a goal behind at the time of the Henderson handball after Eberechi Eze applied the finishing touches to a flowing Crystal Palace attack down the right flank.

Rooney who was part of the BBC’s coverage of the showpiece event in the English capital voiced out his frustration, the former Manchester United hero insists it’s a red card and a huge mistake from the VAR.

“They have made a mistake and now they are trying to cover it up. It is a red card and everyone can see it’s a red card.”

Not content with just pointing out the mistake he felt the officials had made, the striker-turned-pundit went on to say he would rather see the technology scrapped altogether. Rooney continued to fume:

“Just get rid of VAR. 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.”