'Legend' Wayne Rooney (41) targeted Erling Haaland (25, Manchester City).
Manchester City (hereafter referred to as Man City) lost 0-1 to Crystal Palace in the 2024-2025 FA Cup final held at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on the 18th (Korea time).
Crystal Palace claimed its first major tournament trophy since its founding in 1905. With this victory, Palace also obtained a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League.
There were many controversial moments. Man City, trailing 0-1, missed a prime opportunity to equalize. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Silva fell after being tackled by Mitchell in the box, and the referee immediately declared a penalty.
Typically, the forward takes the penalty in a prime equalization opportunity. Nobody doubted that Haaland would score the equalizer. However, Haaland, the original kicker, refused to take the penalty. While Marmoush stepped up as the substitute kicker, he tragically missed.
It was an incomprehensible decision. Even head coach Pep Guardiola did not know why Haaland did not take the penalty. Pep noted, "Haaland was originally supposed to take it. I don't know the reason either. I haven't talked with the players yet. I think Haaland would naturally want to take it. It's something the players decided among themselves."
Legend Wayne Rooney openly targeted Haaland. It is unacceptable for a forward to concede a penalty kick.
Rooney remarked, "Haaland is also a world-class forward, but he is not on the level of Messi or Ronaldo. They would never concede a penalty. This is why Messi and Ronaldo are above Haaland and Mbappe," taking aim at his junior.
Rooney, being a former player, fully understood Haaland's feelings. He said, "Haaland is also human. He might have found it very difficult to think about the possibility of failing a penalty at Wembley," showing empathy towards Haaland.
However, it is stated that Haaland is not on the level of Messi or Ronaldo.
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