Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson downplayed the controversy following his performance in the FA Cup final, where his team emerged victorious.
Henderson, who avoided the red card and then saved a penalty, said he knew he would stop Omar Marmoush’s shot.
Eberechi Eze’s goal in the 16th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium, giving Palace their first major trophy in their 120-year history.
The match was marked by the play in the 24th minute, when Henderson left the area and touched the ball with his hand, but was not sent off.
After the match, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola approached Henderson. The goalkeeper revealed that Guardiola seemed annoyed by Palace’s time-wasting.
“I told him: ‘You had the 10 minutes you wanted.’ No hard feelings,” commented Henderson.
Dean Henderson
Regarding the decision not to show him the red card, the former Manchester United goalkeeper stated that he was sure he would not be sent off and that he was not worried about the situation.
“The ball entered my area and I knew it was fine, who cares?” stated Henderson.
Dean Henderson
Henderson added that he knew he would stop the penalty.
“I knew I was going to stop it. We had the feeling that today would be our day. The coach prepared a game plan and we executed it. We deserve this,” he said.
Dean Henderson
The England international, who joined Palace in 2023 for £15 million, dedicated the victory to his father, who passed away last year.
“I lost my father at the start of the season, but he was with me today,” Henderson concluded. “He was with me on every play of the match. I dedicate this victory to him.”
Dean Henderson
