"The most extraordinary event in the history of 英." It's been 117 years... The champion fell to the sixth division

*This content was translated by AI.

Macklesfield, a member of England's sixth division, beat Premier League (EPL) club and defending champion Crystal Palace to produce the biggest upset in the history of the FA Cup.

British media 'BBC' reported on the 11th (Korea Standard Time) that "McClsfield beat Crystal Palace, the FA Cup winner, 2-1 last season, to win the game that will remain in football history."

Macclesfield won a miraculous victory over Crystal Palace in the third round (64 round) of the 2025-2026 FA Cup at Moss Rose in Macclesfield, England on the 10th.

According to the media, the gap between Macclesfield and EPL Crystal Palace, which belong to the sixth division, is 5 steps apart and 117 steps apart in the ranking. It was recorded as a victory that overturned the biggest ranking gap in FA Cup history.

In addition, it is the first time since the 1908-1909 season that an amateur team has eliminated the defending champion of the FA Cup. Palace beat Manchester City in last season's final to win their first since the club's foundation, but this season they lost their pride as they were caught up by the sixth-division side in a nine-game winless slump.

There was even a touching story. Macclesfield suffered a tragedy on the 16th of last month when he sent his team's striker Ethan McLeod (21) away in a car accident. The team and fans honored McLeod with photos and memorial banners on the stadium.

According to Sky Sports and others, Macclesfield coach John Rooney said after the game, "McLeod's parents shared their joy with us today," and told the players, "McLeod was watching us today and played with us." I felt that he was with us," he said.

Macklesfield's fighting spirit shone in the stadium as well. Captain Paul Dawson was injured early in the game and scored the first goal by playing with a bandage on his head. Manager John Rooney said: "Dawson is a warrior. Even if it's bruised and bleeding, I'm not daunted," he said, giving compliments.

Macclesfield went bankrupt in 2020 due to financial difficulties and is on the verge of breaking 146 years of history. The club was re-founded at the time with the efforts of local businessmen Robert Smehurst and Robbie Savage. Starting in the ninth division, he has achieved three promotions in four years, reaching the sixth division.

Coach John Rooney's brother and England football legend Wayne Rooney attended the scene as a "BBC" commentator to watch his brother win. Wayne Rooney said: "I can't believe my brother has achieved such a tremendous feat. It hasn't been long since I was the director, and I'm really proud."

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also praised the "BBC" saying, "We witnessed one of the greatest moments in FA Cup history," adding, "The performance of the Macklesfield players was amazing."

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*This content was translated by AI.