‘Who cares?’ Dean Henderson shuns handball talk after Rooney says challenge was ‘100% a red card’ in Palace FA Cup final win

Dean Henderson says there was no doubt over the decision not to punish him when the Crystal Palace goalkeeper appeared to handle the ball outside his penalty early in the 2025 FA Cup final – after Wayne Rooney had called the incident “100% a red card”.

With the Eagles leading 1-0 in the 24th minute, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check was carried out for a potential dismissal after Henderson advanced to the edge of his box to stop Erling Haaland from breaking through on goal, with replays seeming to clearly show that he had used his hand beyond the line to stop the striker from advancing.

“It’s a red card,” said Manchester United all-time top scorer Rooney, who won the 2015/16 FA Cup, speaking on BBC Sport. “Haaland’s about to knock it around him.”

Henderson, who saved an Omar Marmoush penalty soon after the check, disagreed. “The ball carried into my box so I knew I was fine,” he told the broadcaster after Eberechi Eze’s strike proved the only goal of the game. “It doesn’t matter – who cares?”

Should this have been a red card for Dean Henderson? 🤔#FACup pic.twitter.com/GEexLOrUPJ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 17, 2025

FA Cup final 2025: Should Henderson have been sent off?

“[Henderson] sweeps the ball away,” argued Rooney, speaking at half-time after the review deemed the scoring opportunity for Haaland was not “obvious”.

“How can they get this wrong? Just get rid of VAR. They’ve made a mistake, so now they’re trying to cover up… everybody can see it’s a red card.”

Former City defender Micah Richards and ex-England striker Alan Shearer also said Henderson should have been sent off before the 28-year-old added to his string of impressive saves during the second half to help Palace win their first major trophy.

“Good decision,” smiled Palace manager Oliver Glasner when he was asked for his thoughts in the aftermath of arguably his greatest coaching achievement.

City manager Pep Guardiola appeared to have a verbal disagreement with Henderson as Palace’s celebrations began, although the Spaniard would not elaborate when he was asked what had been said.

“It’s a red card. How can they get this wrong?”

Wayne Rooney has a go at VAR after Dean Henderson avoided a red card 🗣#FACup pic.twitter.com/wk1xAOfNyq

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 17, 2025

Dean Henderson: Palace goalkeeper wins FA Cup

Henderson, who left Manchester United after 12 years to join Palace in 2023, paid a touching tribute to his late father on the pitch at full time.

“I lost my dad at the start of the season,” he said. “I’ll miss him here today, but he was with me every kick of the ball. I dedicate that win to him.”

Part of the Three Lions squad who reached the Euro 2020 and 2024 deciders, Henderson had previously played at a Wembley Stadium final for Shrewsbury Town in April 2018, losing the EFL Trophy final to Lincoln City.

2025 FA Cup final: Palace vs Man City

Eze continued his remarkable scoring form to sweep resilient Palace ahead with a wonderfully worked goal in the 16th minute.

Palace soaked up a succession of early attacks before Daniel Munoz raced down the right and found Eze inside the box, who fired in first time with his right foot for the England international’s sixth goal in five matches in all competitions.

There was more first-half misery to come for City when January signing Marmoush fired his first penalty for the club to Henderson’s right, the goalkeeper guessing correctly to beat the effort away before returning to his feet to gather the ball from City’s attempt to capitalise from the rebound.

Glasner’s side absorbed pressure for much of the game but deservedly won thanks to a resolute defensive display and almost doubled their advantage after the break, when Munoz rifled into the back of the net before a VAR check ruled Ismaila Sarr had been offside.

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