Macclesfield dedicate historic FA Cup upset to late player Ethan McLeod

Macclesfield manager John Rooney dedicated the club's 2-1 FA Cup victory over holders Crystal Palace to 21‑year‑old Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident 25 days earlier.

Macclesfield marked a surprise 2-1 FA Cup victory over holders Crystal Palace and dedicated the result to Ethan McLeod. McLeod, 21, died in a car accident on the M1 on December 16 while returning from a National League North match at Bedford Town. Manager John Rooney, in his first managerial role at the club this season, spoke of McLeod's special place in the team. A tribute banner and a photograph were displayed at the ground and McLeod's No.20 shirt has been retired. Key facts: - The FA Cup tie finished 2-1 to Macclesfield against holders Crystal Palace. - Ethan McLeod, aged 21, died in a car accident on the M1 on December 16 after travelling from a match at Bedford Town. - Manager John Rooney dedicated the victory to McLeod and the player's parents were invited into the dressing room after the game. - The club retired McLeod's No.20 shirt and displayed a tribute banner between the dugouts; a picture of him was also placed in the dressing room. Summary: The victory carried strong emotional significance for the club, players and supporters, and served as a public tribute to McLeod. Undetermined at this time.