Crystal Palace lifted their first-ever FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, with Dean Henderson’s controversial non-red card and penalty heroics sparking heated debate. Eberechi Eze’s early strike sealed a historic day as manager Oliver Glasner led the underdogs to glory, ending a 119-year wait for silverware.
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Crystal Palace have won the FA Cup for the first time in their 119-year history, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in a dramatic final overshadowed by a major VAR controversy.
Eberechi Eze scored the only goal after 16 minutes, finishing off a swift counter-attack started by Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Muñoz. City dominated possession, boasting 88% at the time of the goal, but failed to find a breakthrough.
The turning point came when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle outside his area to stop Erling Haaland. Despite a VAR review, he escaped punishment and later saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush.
At full time, Palace players wept and danced as fans roared “Glad All Over.” Joel Ward kissed the trophy in his final appearance.
“It’s 100 per cent red card,” said Wayne Rooney, while Roy Keane admitted, “We’re all confused.”
Oliver Glasner, who took Palace from the brink of relegation to glory, now enters club folklore. The win secures Palace’s place in football history.