John Rooney, the younger brother of England legend Wayne Rooney, has long been known as the less successful sibling in one of football's most famous families. However, on Saturday, it was Wayne who was seen in tears of pride as John masterminded a stunning FA Cup upset for Macclesfield against Crystal Palace. The victory, described as the biggest in the competition's history, saw the non-league side triumph over the Premier League outfit, with the teams separated by 117 places in the football pyramid.
Speaking after the match, John Rooney said: 'I still can't get me head around it, if I'm honest with you, but I thought we were well deserved winners.' The win was particularly poignant for Macclesfield, who dedicated the result to Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old player who died in a car accident less than a month ago. His parents embraced the team in emotional scenes in the dressing room.
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored the decisive goal, with the ball taking what seemed like 30 seconds to cross the line. 'I was thinking about it when the final whistle went, Ethan was here,' he said. 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.'
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner offered no excuses, congratulating Macclesfield on their victory. Travelling Palace fans magnanimously applauded the team that had subjected them to a humiliation they will never be allowed to forget. The result marked the first time in 117 years that FA Cup holders had been knocked out by non-league opposition.
