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'Just get rid of VAR' - Wayne Rooney goes on rant after goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoids red card after handball stops Erling Haaland in FA Cup final against Man City

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  • Henderson handles outside box
  • Palace star escapes red card
  • Rooney says to "get rid of VAR"
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The game's big talking point occurred in the first half when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson flicked the ball away as Manchester City's Erling Haaland bore down on him, but the goalkeeper handled outside his area. After a VAR review, the officials deemed that as Haaland was going away from goal, and it was not denying a goalscoring opportunity. But ex-Manchester United forward Rooney was having none of it.


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    WHAT ROONEY SAID

    He said on the BBC's FA Cup final coverage: "It's a red card. 100 per cent. Haaland is about to knock it round him [Henderson] and as we see, he sweeps the ball away. It's a red card! How can they get this wrong? Just get rid of VAR. They've made a mistake and now they are trying to cover up for it. It's a red card! Everyone can see it's a red card. To come out with all this rubbish!"

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Once again, a controversial VAR decision has taken place in a huge match in English football. While the technology has undoubtedly cut out a lot of refereeing errors in the sport, it is far from perfect and incidents like these could settle this FA Cup final.

  • Manchester City FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    After this match, City return to Premier League action on Tuesday against Bournemouth, whereas Palace host Wolves on the same day.