Wayne Rooney watched his brother John pull off quite possibly the biggest FA Cup upset in history as his non-league Macclesfield FC side knocked holders Crystal Palace out. The Silkmen ran out 2-1 winners against the Premier League side at Moss Rose.
It is a remarkable achievement given that the Cheshire outfit was only founded five years ago, replacing Macclesfield Town FC, which had been liquidated due to debts. Paul Dawson (43') and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (61') were on target for the hosts, who saw out a famous win despite Yeremy Pino's free-kick (90') giving them a late scare.
John Rooney took charge of the club in July last year after calling time on his playing career while at the club. As a player, he was part of their promotion to the National League North as Northern Premier League Champions last season. But beating Palace was the biggest feat of his entire footballing career, and his brother was on punditry duties to watch.
Wayne Rooney Emotional After Macclesfield Shock Crystal Palace
Wayne Rooney
Macclesfield FC headed into their third round clash against Palace as massive underdogs, and John Rooney even admitted he wasn't confident his side would see out their two-nil lead. But his minnows weathered the storm to make history as the first non-league club to knock a Premier League side out of the FA Cup.
BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman claimed Wayne Rooney was in tears watching his brother guide the Silkmen to victory over the cup holders. He spoke with pride after the game:
"It's incredible to see my younger brother achieve this. He has not long been the manager. I am so proud of him."
John Rooney is starting to step out of his brother's shadow, having watched the former England captain become one of the best strikers in Premier League history. He responded to his side's victory in disbelief:
"I can't believe it, 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."
The 35-year-old will turn his focus to the FA Trophy on Tuesday when his side travels to Woking. His troops sit 14th in the National League North standings which speaks volumes of just how astonishing a win over Palace was.