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Macclesfield boss dedicates Crystal Palace triumph to tragic star killed in car crash
Jan 10 2026 18:16 · By Andy Dunn/Chief Sports Writer · 49 Reads
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Tearful John Rooney dedicated the biggest giant-killing act in FA Cup history to tragic Ethan McLeod.
The young Macclesfield striker died in a road accident last month and his image and words of tribute were displayed behind the dugout during the National League North’s side's astonishing win over holders Crystal Palace .
“When we finished the game, I walked into the office and saw Ethan’s mum and dad in there,” said Rooney. “That was very special to me knowing they were here with us, and I’m sure Ethan was definitely looking down on us today.
“I brought Ethan to the club and I had a special relationship with him, so for me to find out that news and have to phone the players individually and give them the news to them was something that you can’t prepare for.
“Ethan was a special lad and a special talent. To see his parents sat in the office when I walked in is something I’ll hold me forever.”
After pulling off the seismic upset, the Macclesfield manager also had an emotional hug with his brother Wayne, who declared: “It's incredible to see my younger brother achieve this, he has not long been the manager. I am so proud of him.”
Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts gave Macclesfield a two-goal lead and they held on to win despite an anxious finale after Yeremy Pino pulled back a late goal for Palace.
It meant a non-league side had eliminated the holders for the first time since 1909, when Crystal Palace beat Wolves .
That was 117 years ago and there were 117 places between the Premier League side and Rooney’s part-timers at kick-off.
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“I can't believe it,” said the Macclesfield boss. “We never thought we would be in this position.
"We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads.
"I couldn't have asked any more of them and you can see the joy in them."
Dawson said: “I am very happy but very tired. Macclesfield means the world to me. It's an immense achievement. I am proud of the boys and proud of the fans. It's a really big community club.”