US EditionRooney Close to Tears as Brother Masterminds FA Cup History
Macclesfield, 117 places below Crystal Palace, achieved the biggest FA Cup upset ever with a 2-1 win led by John Rooney, marking a historic moment in football.
- On Jan 10, 2026, John Rooney masterminded a historic FA Cup third-round upset as non-league Macclesfield beat holders Crystal Palace two to one at Moss Rose.
- Paul Dawson's header gave Macclesfield the lead two minutes before half-time, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled on the hour, and a halftime message to 'manage the game, slow it down' preserved the lead.
- Rooney was visibly emotional, fighting back tears and saying he was getting emotional watching his younger brother, while John Rooney praised the achievement, saying `He did. It's such an achievement, absolutely superb`.
- Macclesfield progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup, and home fans who stormed the pitch celebrated with the players after the final whistle.
- Statistically, the victory ranks as the competition's biggest upset with a 117-place gap between Macclesfield and Crystal Palace, marking the first holders-to-non-league defeat since 1909 and involving Macclesfield, a phoenix club founded after 2020.
19 Articles
19 Articles
The captain fights wounded, the brother of Wayne Rooney trembles the voice: in the cup-up of a sixth division against defending champion Crystal Palace England experiences that kind of football, which arouses great emotions on the island.
'Ethan was looking down on us': Emotional Macclesfield boss pays touching tribute after stunning FA Cup win over Crystal Palace
Macclesfield manager John Rooney dedicated his side's incredible FA Cup win over holders and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace to the memory of Ethan McLeod
Wayne Rooney close to tears as fans flood pitch following biggest shock in FA Cup history: 'I am so proud!'
Wayne Rooney struggled to contain his emotions as he watched his younger brother, John, guide Macclesfield to what is being described as the greatest FA Cup shock in the competition's history.The former Manchester United and England striker was visibly moved whilst working as a pundit for the game as the non-league side completed their remarkable triumph over Crystal Palace.Rooney said: "It's incredible, I am getting emotional to see my younger …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
