FA Cup

DEAN HENDERSON shocked a BBC commentator with his halftime outfit change in the FA Cup final.Henderson played a huge role in Crystal Palace’s epic win over Manchester City at Wembley.Dean Henderson stunned a commentator as he wore a cap on the pitchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Crystal Palace star inspired his side to FA Cup glory over Man CityThe goalie made some big saves throughout the battle in North-West London.And things looked even better when Palace took the lead through Eberechi Eze.But pundits felt Henderson was lucky to still be on the pitch when he handled the ball moments later.A VAR review let the star off the hook by deeming he had NOT denied Erling Haaland a clear goal-scoring opportunity.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the decision proved pivotal 10 minutes later when Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty.However, BBC commentator John Murray appeared most stunned by Henderson’s halftime outfit change.With the sun shining down on a warm spring day, Palace’s goalie looked to get an advantage with a savvy addition to his kit.As Henderson walked back onto the pitch, he could be seen wearing a black baseball capped pulled down low over his head.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd Murray was left amazed by the change, declaring live on TV: “There’s a throwback to FA Cup finals of old.”He later said it reminded him of ex-Liverpool stopper Bruce Grobbelaar 40 years ago.Man City and Crystal Palace staff in furious touchline bust-up as they are forced apart in FA Cup finalFans were quick to react to Henderson’s outfit change.One said: “Hat stealing the spotlight.”Another declared: “Henderson styling on them.”One noted: “Man of the match.”Another added: “Signature move.” More

THEIR heroic penalty-saving goalkeeper should never have been on the pitch. They were outplayed for the vast majority of the match and enjoyed little more than 20 per cent of possession. Palace celebrate their remarkable FA Cup triumphCredit: EPAJoel Ward and Marc Guehi lift the FA CupCredit: GettyPalace have won their first ever major silverwareCredit: ReutersEberechi Eze is greeted by Prince WilliamCredit: ReutersBut frankly, who outside of the blue half of Manchester cares? Because Crystal Palace’s triumph was a classic FA Cup Final underdog story in one of the most thrilling and incident-packed finals in years.Eberechi Eze’s early strike secured the first major trophy in their long history and a place in the Europa League, their first serious taste of European competition.READ MORE ON PALACE’S INCREDIBLE FA CUP TRIUMPH READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKeeper Dean Henderson repelled Omar Marmoush’s first-half penalty, just minutes after he should have been sent off for handling outside the box to rob Erling Haaland of the ball. An extraordinary blunder from VAR Michael Salisbury allowed Henderson to stay on the pitch and the keeper took full advantage of his reprieve with a string of fine saves. And as the red-and-blue army from south of the river sang their hearts out, Oliver Glasner’s men defended with purpose and passion to deny Pep Guardiola’s fallen four-in-a-row champions their last remaining chance of major silverware this season. Most read in FA CupKevin De Bruyne’s Wembley swansong fell flat as City simply ran out of ideas. But Palace played with a sense of destiny. After 120 years in the professional game, and with the club claiming to have been around since 1861, their time had finally come.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEberechi Eze fires Crystal Palace into the leadCredit: APEze celebrates his 16th minute openerCredit: GettyThis is a seriously good Palace, who have been outstanding form the last six months, following a dismal start to the season. Their defence is outstanding, midfielder Adam Wharton is a serious craftsman, wing-back Daniel Munoz is often unplayable and the flying front free of Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr are a counter-attacking tour de force.Man City and Crystal Palace staff in furious touchline bust-up as they are forced apart in FA Cup finalThe pre-match build-up had been literally overshadowed by the Palace pyrotechnics, adding an acrid smell as the band of the Royal Marines parped away at God Save The King. There was plenty of Palace royalty around – Prince William, Sir Gareth Southgate and Roy Hodgson among them. City fans had unfurled a couple of banners saluting De Bruyne – and Guardiola even had the decency to select him the starting line-up, something he often didn’t do for big matches, even when the Belgian was in his pomp. It was an attacking line-up from Guardiola – with semi-final man-of-the-match Mateo Kovacic injured, Rodri still out and Nico Gonzalez on the bench there was no obvious midield anchor man. Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.Within three minutes De Bruyne’s cross was picking out Haaland at the back stick, Henderson thwarting his volley for his first excellent save of the afternoon. After Josko Gvardiol’s header had forced another decent stop, City were boasting 88 per cent possession in the opening quarter of an hour.And then Palace scored on their first serious attack.  Chris Richards played a long ball into the centre circle where Mateta held it up, exchanged pass with Sarr and then located Daniel Munoz, charging down the right. Dean Henderson got away with handling outside the boxHenderson prevented Haaland from reaching the ballCredit: ReutersThe wing-back centred for Eze to get in front of Manuel Akanji and steer a low volley past Stefan Ortega.   Before kick-off, the Palace fans had unfurled a banner promising ‘Wembley will shake…it will be beautiful’. They were true to their word – it did and it was. Munoz, the Colombian with lungs the size of footballs, was soon marauding down the flank again for a Sarr shot which Ortega blocked. Man City ratingsMANCHESTER CITY were stunned by Crystal Palace at Wembley, condemning Pep Guardiola to a first trophyless season in eight years.Then, though, came that moment of raging controversy when Haaland charged forward and Henderson advanced to the edge of his box to scoop the ball away from the Norwegian’s foot. VAR was soon doing its baffling thing. Henderson had clearly handled outside the box but Michael Salisbury decided that the sight of Haaland careering through on goal, on the edge of the area, did not constitute a goalscoring opportunity.It is not an opinion which many opposition defenders, or coaches, would share. Salisbury’s decision was based on the fact that Haaland was moving away from goal. Ignoring the fact that he would have changed direction and probably scored if Henderson hadn’t handled it. But as VAR cannot award free-kicks and yellow cards, a clear injustice was allowed to stand. It felt vastly predictable that Henderson’s reprieve was costly for City and embarrassing for the match officials. Tyrick Mitchell dived in on Bernardo Silva and Attwell pointed to the spot. Erling Haaland handed penalty duties to Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyMarmoush was denied from the spot by HendersonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHaaland consoles Marmouth after his botched spot kickCredit: GettyBut Haaland, who had missed three of his last six spot-kicks, gave way to Marmoush, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Henderson, diving low to his right before he smothered Haaland’s follow-up. Next Jeremy Doku cut inside from the left and had a curling shot brilliantly saved by the man who shouldn’t have been in the Palace goal. After the break, City were attacking with vengeful intent – Haaland and Doku both going close again.But it was Palace who found the net, although this one didn’t count. A long throw caused chaos in the City box and Munoz’s shot took a couple of deflections – one of them off Sarr, before it squirmed away from Ortega and allowed Munoz to dart in and poke across the line. This time, however, Salisbury did his job and some manic celebrations were cut short. During the VAR check an altercation broke out between the two benches. City had all the possession but Palace defended as if possessed by some demonic sense of purpose. Read More on The SunNico O’Reilly had a clear sight of goal but decided not to shoot, then Guardiola sent for Phil Foden and Argentinian debutant Claudio Echeverri.  And it was Echeverri who forced Henderson’s next fine save, a block from point-blank range – before ten minutes of injury-time were called. The longest ten minutes of every Palace’s supporters’ life. More

TEMPERS boiled over on the Wembley benches with Manchester City and Crystal Palace staff squaring up.Wembley security were forced to calm the situation midway through the second half of the FA Cup final.Members of the Palace and City benches squared up during the FA Cup finalCredit: BBCThe incident occurred midway through the second half at WembleyCredit: BBCSecurity was forced to step in as tempers boiled overCredit: BBCPalace’s Daniel Munoz saw his strike ruled out for offside with the Eagles leading 1-0.But it was an incident involving Marc Guehi that appeared to have the City medical staff incensed.The defender went down with what appeared to be an eye injury, before being substituted shortly after the disallowed goal. City’s head of sports medicine Max Sala was seen roaring in the direction of the Palace bench.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe went face-to-face with Eagles assistant manager Paddy McCarthy, before security was forced to intervene.City boss Pep Guardiola was seen helping usher Sala back to his seat on the bench. One stunned fan wrote on X: “The Crystal Palace and Man City medical teams are squaring up to each other. I’ve seen it all now.”Another joked: “Who’s on standby if the medics need medics?”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd a third commented: “This is why we love football.”Palace went on to win the FA Cup for the very first time in their history – as well as booking their spot in their debut European campaign.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyOliver Glasner’s side had just 22 per cent possession after the 90 minutes, but stunned City with their counter-attacking skill.Eberechi Eze smashed in following a lightning-quick counter from the underdogs.And Dean Henderson later saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush – with Erling Haaland passing on the chance to take it.Palace held on to claim a first-ever domestic trophy, leaving City without silverware this term.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.Man City ratingsMANCHESTER CITY were stunned by Crystal Palace at Wembley, condemning Pep Guardiola to a first trophyless season in eight years. More

MANCHESTER CITY fans were given massive donation towards their Kevin De Bruyne display for Saturday’s FA Cup final.Supporters splashes out over £11,000 for the banner displayed at Wembley. More

WAYNE ROONEY believes that Erling Haaland was taken off penalty duties ahead of the FA Cup final.The Norwegian gave Manchester City’s first-half FA Cup final spot kick to team-mate Omar Marmoush… having never scored at Wembley.Erling Haaland initially grabbed the ball before City’s penaltyCredit: ReutersHaaland, 24, handed the ball to Omar MarmoushCredit: GettyDean Henderson saved Marmoush’s penaltyCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old has banged in the goals for City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, but went into Saturday’s showdown having failed to score in four appearances at the national stadium.Wembley is one of just three English grounds that Haaland has played at and not scored; alongside Brentford’s Gtech Stadium and Liverpool’s Anfield.When Tyrick Mitchell brought down Bernardo Silva in the box, Haaland could have had a chance to score from the spot on 36 minutes.But he instead handed the ball to Marmoush, who saw his tame penalty saved by Eagles keeper Dean Henderson – with Haaland failing to convert the rebound.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCity’s No9 has missed three of his seven penalties this season.Marmoush, meanwhile, had converted four out of four from the spot this season, all for Eintracht Frankfurt during the first half of the campaign.When BBC pundit Micah Richards questioned Haaland’s decision to hand the penalty to Marmoush, Rooney claimed: “I don’t think he’s given it away.”I think it’s been taken off him before the game, I think it’s been decided (pre-match).”Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWayne Rooney gave his opinion on the penalty at half-timeCredit: BBCWhen Lineker added “you can’t override the manager”, Rooney insisted: “There’s moments you can. And I think Haaland should have taken the penalty.”After the game, Pep Guardiola admitted that he thought Haaland would take it.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupThe Spaniard said: “They decided on the pitch.”I don’t know. I didn’t speak with them. I thought he [Haaland] would want to take it. These are things for them.”That moment for the free kick, for the penalty, it’s the feeling and how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it. Henderson made a good save.”Henderson was lucky to still be on the pitch to save Marmoush’s penalty.The former Manchester United stopper escaped a red card despite deliberately handling outside his box, thwarting a chance for Haaland to score.Lineker revealed at half-time: “This is what VAR have said: ‘The direction in which Erling Haaland was going made it possible, but not an obvious goal scoring opportunity’.”Rooney replied by demanding football chiefs scrap VAR.Read More on The SunPalace already led at the time via Eberechi Eze’s 16th minute strike.And they would hold out to secure their first ever trophy with a 1-0 victory.Dean Henderson handled outside the boxCredit: BBCCrystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.Man City ratingsMANCHESTER CITY were stunned by Crystal Palace at Wembley, condemning Pep Guardiola to a first trophyless season in eight years. More

MANCHESTER UNITED won the 2016 FA Cup final courtesy of Jesse Lingard’s extra time goal.But despite Lingard’s heroics, the match is best remembered for then-Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew’s infamous touchline jig.Alan Pardew performed an infamous dance on the Wembley touchlineCredit: BBCBoyhood Palace fan Jason Puncheon fired his side into the lead in 2016Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBoyhood Palace fan Jason Puncheon sent the Eagles faithful at Wembley into delirium by belting the ball beyond David de Gea on 78 minutes.Celebrating Puncheon’s goal, Pardew turned towards his bench wearing a huge grin.In a moment that would go down in FA Cup folklore, the former Newcastle boss performed the most outrageous example of dad dancing that Wembley Stadium has ever seen.Unfortunately for Pards and Co, Juan Mata equalised barely three minutes later – with Lingard breaking their hearts in extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPardew’s Palace reign never recovered, and he was duly sacked in December of the same year, following a run of just six wins in 36 matches.After 11 months out of the game, Pards was back in the Prem – parachuted into West Brom to replace fellow former Palace boss Tony Pulis.There was nothing for him to dance about at the Hawthorns as he didn’t even see out the season – winning just three of his 21 games in charge on the way to the Baggies’ relegation. Ouch.Pardew’s next adventure saw him take on another relegation battle, this time in the Eredivisie with ADO Den Haag.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPardew parties in Ibiza in 2015Credit: InstagramThe Hague side looked doomed with Pards having only won once in eight matches… only for the Covid pandemic to see the season KO’d, thus saving them from the drop.ADO Den Haag’s outgoing boss was reportedly due a £100,000 bonus for avoiding relegation, even having been spared by the season being scrapped.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyUpon leaving, Pardew insisted: “If I was formally entitled to an amount I would never want to receive it. In this difficult period I would always return any bonus to the club, which will certainly find a good destination for it.”Pardew’s next job saw him take on an advisory role with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia in November 2020.Eighteen months later he stepped into the CSKA dugout.His spell in charge ended in June 2022, when he resigned after a section of racist CSKA fans threw bananas at their own team’s black players.Per Sky Sports, Pardew was “angered and upset” by the incident – and in a subsequent statement he said: “The events before and after the match against Botev Plovdiv were unacceptable not only for me, but also for my assistant Alex Dyer and for my players. Our players decided to play out of loyalty towards the club.”This small group of organised racist fans, who tried to sabotage the game, are not the fans I want to coach the team in front of. That’s definitely not the right way for CSKA because such club deserves a lot more.”Pardew joined West Brom after leaving PalaceCredit: AFPPards headed to The Hague alongside Chris PowellCredit: GettyPardew managed CSKA Sofia in BulgariaCredit: GettyPardew’s most-recent managerial role took him to Greece, where he would win nine of his 22 games in charge of Aris Thessaloniki prior to his February 2023 exit.Since his last managerial job, Pardew has shifted into punditry.He co-hosts a show on talkSPORT on Sunday nights alongside DJ Mastestic, and he could recently be seen starring in a Paddy Power advert alongside the likes of Joe Cole and Glenn Hoddle.While Pardew can be found on the radio these days, he will not be seen at Wembley during his former club’s FA Cup final… because he doesn’t want memories of his dad dancing to overshadow yet another final.The 63-year-old said: “I told Steve (Parish) that this team deserves so much credit.”The problem with 2016 is that the team didn’t get enough. Every time it comes up in conversation, my dance comes up with it.”And I don’t want there to be even the slightest chance of that happening this time.“I don’t mind talking about it. It was just an off-the-cuff reaction to a goal. No shame. But this cup final should be about this Palace team.Read More on The Sun“I’ve told Steve that if they win, I will celebrate with him at the Wolves game next Tuesday instead.”But I’ll be watching from home for sure.”Pardew recently starred in a Paddy Power advertThe former Palace boss also has a show on talkSPORTCredit: https://twitter.com/talkSPORT More