Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was full of emotion after watching his younger brother John Rooney lead Macclesfield to a stunning 2-1 FA Cup victory over holders Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Macclesfield became the first sixth-tier side in history to eliminate Premier League opposition from the FA Cup, sealing a remarkable 2–1 win at Moss Rose.
The 117 places separating the two clubs in the English football pyramid represent the largest gap ever overturned by an underdog in the competition’s history.
“I’m getting emotional,” said former England captain Wayne Rooney, who was part of the BBC commentary team. “To see my younger brother, who’s not long been a manager, beat a Premier League team… I’m so proud.
“It’s such an achievement. What he’s achieved today is absolutely superb.”
The historic achievement was made even more poignant for the Silkmen following the death of forward Ethan McLeod less than a month ago.
McLeod, 21, died in a car accident while returning from the club’s game at Bedford on December 16.
Reflecting on the emotional weight surrounding the match, Macclesfield manager John Rooney revealed how the squad has rallied together during an immensely difficult period.
“I had a nice message from his dad last night, and I was going to send it to the lads or tell them before the game, but I didn’t want to add any extra pressure with everything we’ve been through,” Rooney said.
“So I thought I’d leave that until after the game. We need to go and see them as well. It’s been a really tough time.
“We’ve all stuck together through it. It’s never, ever going to get easier. We’ve still got pictures up in the changing room that never go.”
