The rationale behind why Dean Henderson avoided a sending off for his handball in the FA Cup final has been revealed.
Manchester City fans were left seething when Crystal Palace shot-stopper Henderson handled the ball outside his box to deny Erling Haaland a scoring chance. Just moments later, the English keeper heroically saved a spot-kick from City’s Omar Marmoush.
Palace had already notched a 1-0 lead prior to this incident, thanks to Eberechi Eze. In the match’s 23rd minute, Josko Gvardiol launched a ball from his defensive end, which Haaland sprinted after, only to watch Henderson dart out and bat the ball away with his right hand.
Following replays that confirmed Henderson’s handball occurred outside of his goal area, referee Stuart Attwell played on until VAR conducted a review.
However, the VAR team decided that, as Haaland was not moving directly towards the goal, the situation did not constitute a clear goal-scoring opportunity being denied. Moreover, a goalkeeper using their hands outside of the penalty area isn’t an automatic red card offence.
Alan Shearer, while providing commentary for the BBC, unmistakably identified the handball: “There’s no doubt that Dean Henderson touches that with his hand,” and remarked that it appeared Haaland was heading away from goal: “It is clear to me that Erling Haaland is going away from goal.”
(Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Adding to the controversy, Wayne Rooney expressed his disdain during the half-time analysis by saying: “Just get rid of VAR. They have made a mistake and now they are trying to cover up. It is a red card and everyone can see it’s a red card. To come out with all this rubbish..”
No free-kick was given because VAR is restricted to intervening only in instances of a red card offence or penalty. The City faithful were further aggrieved when Henderson stopped Marmoush’s penalty following the decision that Bernardo Silva had been fouled by Tyrick Mitchell of Palace.
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The response on social media was instantaneous, with people making their thoughts known. “Keeper handles outside of the area. It’s a red card, no matter what direction the ball is going. The ref and VAR have lost the plot,” vented a user online.
“As clear a red card as you will see. VAR have had an absolute howler,” exclaimed another. “Henderson has slapped the ball away from goal… it’s a clear red card.”
Another observer highlighted Henderson’s noteworthy performance aside from the controversy, saving from Jeremy Doku as well. “Amazing, handles it outside his area, off his line for the penalty and now makes a crucial save. All despite the fact he should be in the changing room with a red card,” they remarked.
