In one of the most astonishing results in the long, storied history of the FA Cup, the semi-professional players of Macclesfield FC have defeated the reigning champions, Crystal Palace, sending shockwaves through English football. The phoenix club, separated from their Premier League opponents by a staggering 117 places in the football pyramid, secured a famous 1-0 victory at Moss Rose on Saturday.
A Rooney Family Affair and a Historic Upset
The match was masterminded by Macclesfield manager John Rooney, who for so long has lived in the shadow of his iconic older brother, former England captain Wayne. This time, however, the roles were reversed. Wayne Rooney was a spectator in the stands, captured on camera wiping away tears of pride as he watched his sibling orchestrate a tactical triumph. The victory marks the first time in 117 years that the FA Cup holders have been eliminated by non-league opposition, a feat last achieved when Wolves suffered a similar fate.
Peak Palace and a Decisive, Dawdling Goal
For Crystal Palace, the defeat represented what fans might grimly call 'Peak Palace' – exiting the competition they won just months ago in dismal fashion at the first hurdle. The decisive moment came from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, whose shot seemed to take an age to trickle over the line, sealing the win. The scenes at full-time were euphoric, with Macclesfield fans, led by owner Rob Smethurst, flooding onto the pitch in celebration despite announcements urging them not to.
In stark contrast, Palace manager Oliver Glasner cut a furious and embarrassed figure, though he magnanimously congratulated the victors without offering excuses. The travelling Palace supporters also showed commendable grace, applauding the Macclesfield players who had just inflicted a humiliation that will be remembered for generations.
A Victory Dedicated to a Lost Teammate
The emotional weight of the day extended far beyond the pitch. The victory was dedicated to the memory of Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old Macclesfield player who tragically lost his life in a car accident less than a month ago. In moving post-match scenes in the dressing room, McLeod's parents embraced each of their son's former teammates.
"I was thinking about it when the final whistle went, Ethan was here," said match-winner Buckley-Ricketts. Manager John Rooney added, "He was an absolute diamond of a kid – he was the life and soul in the changing room. He always had a smile on his face." The celebrations that followed, long into the night at the clubhouse bar, were undoubtedly tinged with poignant toasts to their lost friend.
The result is a fairy-tale for the fan-owned club, which rose from the ashes of the old Macclesfield Town. It reaffirms the unpredictable magic of the FA Cup and etches the names of John Rooney and his part-time players into football folklore. For Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner, it is a catastrophic setback that leaves them at a significant crossroads.
