Every football fan knows how certain moments stick in the mind, especially the ones wrapped in drama.
And when it comes to Premier League history, few endings are as unforgettable as Manchester City’s wild title-clinching comeback against QPR in 2012.
Even after all these years, people are still picking apart the details—and now, former referee Mike Dean has added more fuel to Wayne Rooney’s long-standing suspicions about that chaotic final day.
A Curious Restart That Sparked Fresh Questions
Dean recently revisited the moment Edin Dzeko scored City’s stoppage-time equaliser.
According to him, something about QPR’s behaviour right afterward felt off.
Instead of trying to keep possession or slow the game down, the visitors immediately punted the ball straight back to City from kickoff.
He explained on The Overlap Fan Debate that even the officials watching on the sidelines sensed something unusual.
One colleague even muttered in his earpiece that something big was about to unfold—and moments later, Sergio Aguero slammed home the winner that sealed City’s first Premier League title under Roberto Mancini.
Rooney’s Longtime Suspicion Resurfaces
Rooney jumped into the conversation, pointing out that QPR’s lineup that day included several former City players—Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Joey Barton.
It wasn’t the first time he’d flagged the restart as suspicious, and Dean’s comments only revived the chatter.
What the Footage Actually Shows
A review of the match footage supports part of the claim: QPR really did hammer the kickoff straight out near the corner flag, without applying any pressure on City.
Tactically, teams today sometimes do kick the ball long to run down the clock, but QPR didn’t chase it or try to disrupt City.
Instead, they simply dropped off as if they were content to let City build again.
Could QPR Have Already Known Their Fate?
One theory often thrown around is that QPR relaxed because they realised they were already safe from relegation.
Bolton’s 1–1 draw with Stoke confirmed their survival.
But the reactions immediately after Aguero’s winner—shock, frustration, and devastation—suggest not everyone on the pitch was aware they were staying up.
Barton Fires Back at the Conspiracy Talk
Joey Barton, who had been sent off earlier in that match, has made it clear he thinks the conspiracy angle is nonsense.
On his Common Sense Podcast, he shut down Rooney’s claims, insisting QPR players were fighting for survival, not helping City lift a trophy.
He argued that while some moments looked sloppy—like Paddy Kenny’s positioning for the goals—that didn’t mean anyone was intentionally sabotaging the match.
According to Barton, people often cling to theories that match their narrative, even when the truth is far less dramatic.
Barton Doesn’t Hold Back on United
If there’s one thing Barton never hides, it’s his dislike for Manchester United.
He openly admitted he was delighted City won the title over their rivals—but insisted QPR didn’t gift them anything.
He reminded Rooney that United had an entire season to secure the title and failed to, which had nothing to do with QPR’s decisions that day.
Clearing the Air on Post-Match Celebrations
Rooney previously pointed out that Djibril Cissé was seen celebrating with City players after the match.
Cissé later clarified that he only shared a moment with Samir Nasri, a close friend—not because he was celebrating City’s victory.
Dean’s Comments Leave the Debate Open
With Mike Dean now echoing Rooney’s old doubts, the discussion has been revived, but nothing conclusive has emerged.
The unusual restart, the presence of ex-City players, the tension of a relegation battle—everything creates an atmosphere ripe for speculation.
Still, there is no hard evidence that QPR intentionally helped City win the title.
A Moment Forever Locked in Football History
Regardless of the theories, Aguero’s last-gasp strike remains one of the Premier League’s most iconic moments.
Even Rooney admits that, for anyone outside of United, it’s hard to top the drama of that day.
And from the sound of things, this debate isn’t fading anytime soon.
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