Former Arsenal striker and football pundit Thierry Henry has criticised the refereeing decisions during the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea after a controversial first-half incident involving João Pedro and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Speaking after the match, Henry questioned why Chelsea were not awarded a penalty when Khusanov challenged João Pedro inside the penalty area. The former France international also believed the Manchester City defender should have been sent off.
“You see, I look at the screen, I see the penalty incidents,” Henry said. “I see the challenge from Khusanov on João Pedro and it’s a clear penalty and red card. And I have to tell you, if I speak, I am in big, big trouble. I’m serious.”
The final itself was a tense and closely contested encounter at Wembley Stadium. After a goalless first half filled with controversy, Manchester City eventually found the breakthrough in the second half through the Ghanaian international, Antoine Semenyo to secure a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser late in the game, but Pep Guardiola’s side held on to lift the FA Cup trophy and end the season with another major title.
Despite City’s victory, the officiating remained the main subject after the final whistle.
